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On Monday, Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its Buy rating on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) with a price target of $253.00. The endorsement came as Apple’s stock, currently trading at $195.27, has experienced a significant 7.57% decline over the past week. According to InvestingPro analysis, Apple is currently trading above its Fair Value, with analyst targets ranging from $170 to $300. The decline followed a statement by President Trump on Truth Social, indicating that iPhones sold in the U.S. and manufactured abroad could face tariffs of at least 25%.
Goldman Sachs analyst Michael Ng addressed the situation, noting that the potential tariffs align with existing U.S. trade policies. Current reciprocal tariffs on countries where Apple’s final assembly takes place are already above 25%. These include a 34% tariff on products from China, effective since May 14 but suspended for 90 days until August 12, a 26% tariff on Indian goods, and a 46% tariff on Vietnamese products, both suspended until July 9.
The analyst pointed out that, despite the market’s reaction, the tariffs mentioned by President Trump are consistent with the current trade policy. This includes the tariffs on China, which are higher than the proposed rate but currently on hold. The statement from President Trump may also indicate a reduced likelihood that smartphones will be exempted from tariffs, acknowledging the challenges of relocating smartphone assembly to the U.S.
Apple’s stock movement reflects investor concerns about the impact of potential new tariffs on the company’s cost structure and supply chain. As the current tariffs on Apple’s assembly countries are under temporary suspension, the market is closely watching for any changes that could affect the tech giant’s operations.
Investors are now considering the implications of President Trump’s statement, as it suggests a shift in policy that could affect Apple’s production strategy. The company’s decision to maintain assembly operations outside the U.S. has been beneficial in the past, but potential changes in tariff exemptions might pose new challenges. Despite these concerns, InvestingPro data shows Apple maintains a GOOD overall financial health score, with strong profitability metrics and consistent dividend payments for 14 consecutive years. For deeper insights into Apple’s financial health and 12+ additional ProTips, explore the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
In other recent news, Apple has been at the center of several significant developments. JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee reaffirmed an Overweight rating for Apple with a price target of $240, despite potential U.S. tariffs on iPhones manufactured abroad. Chatterjee believes Apple can effectively manage these tariffs, which are expected to apply to all smartphones, not just iPhones. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on smartphones, including those from Samsung (KS:005930) and Apple, to be implemented by the end of June. Additionally, Apple CEO Tim Cook has actively opposed a Texas law requiring age verification for device users, reaching out to Texas Governor Greg Abbott to request changes or a veto. On another front, Kraken, a cryptocurrency exchange, plans to offer tokenized shares of Apple and other major companies to non-U.S. customers, allowing international investors to trade these stocks as digital tokens. This initiative aims to provide global access to U.S. stocks outside traditional market hours. These recent events highlight Apple’s ongoing engagement with regulatory challenges and its strategic positioning in the global market.
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