Ives: Apple’s $100 billion investment is a “good strategic poker move for Cook”

The market is pleased with Apple’s latest $100 billion investment in US manufacturing — a move that sent the stock up 5% yesterday and has it rising again today.

So is Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives. Following a White House event yesterday during which President Trump said companies like Apple that have committed to building in the US will be exempt from a 100% chip tariff, Ives called it a “good strategic poker move for Cook.”

He wrote:

“Cook has navigated this unprecedented tariff situation proving that he is 10% politician and 90% CEO and times like this he will be using his strong ties globally to make sure its smoother waters for Cupertino ahead despite concerns around AAPL’s growth initiatives with Trump heading down the ‘America First’/tariff path. Today is a good step in the right direction for Apple and it helps get on Trump’s good side after what appears to be a ‘tension filled’ few months in the eyes of the Street between the White House and Apple. The stock bounced on this relief with Apple now in a better standing position with Trump although challenges remain. The reality continues to be that producing iPhones in the US is unrealistic given the cost structure vs. Asia/India and remains a fairy tale concept in our view. Apple will invest in Macs, AI, and a host of other tangential initiatives, but NOT core flagship iPhones being built in the US.”

Shares were up 2.4% in recent trading.