Apple’s China share loss risk limited to single-digit percentages – Evercore ISI

Evercore ISI analysts told investors Monday that there is some risk of China share losses for Apple (NASDAQ:).

The analysts’ comments follow news that the Chinese Government has banned officials and state employees from using iPhones while Huawei released its new Mate 60 Pro. Apple is set to launch its latest iPhone model on Tuesday, September 12.

Huawei’s ability to launch Mate 60 Pro “appears to navigate all the chip restrictions placed by the US on China-based entities,” they wrote.

“We see minimal risk of any material ban of iPhones in China (an element of this has always been in place), but we do see some MODEST risk associated with Huawei introducing a more competitive high-end smartphone,” they added.

The Evercore analysts, who maintained an Outperform and $210 target on Apple shares, believe the risk is that Huawei reclaims some of the market share Apple has taken since 2019, although he doubts there will be a complete reversion.

“There is some risk of China share losses for Apple, but even in our worst-case scenario, the impact will be in single-digit percentages,” the analysts continued. “We continue to see minimal risk of a larger iPhone ban given Apple is a large employer in China, and Tim Cook has thus far been very successful in navigating US/China geopolitics.”