COO Tim Cook informed in Apple’s earnings call that the company’s supply chain has not been greatly affected after Japan’s tragic earthquake, but acknowledged that the disaster will result in a $200 million revenue hit. However Cook appropriately kept things in perspective saying that the situation “pales in comparison to the human impact” and that his heart goes out to the people of Japan .
In the wake of the earthquake there was speculation that components (particularly for the iPad) from Japan would be in short supply, but Cook assured that employees have been working “around the clock on contingency plans.” He added that local partners in the country have “displayed an incredible resilience that [he has] personally never seen before.”
Despite this reassurance, Cook also cautioned that “the situation remains unpredictable.”
Meanwhile, Apple continues to grow in China
Cook also touched on the company’s progress in developing markets, particularly China where growth has been impressive thus far. He explained:
We continued to be on a tear in China. Greater China saw iPhone sales being up over three times, almost 250 percent”
China accounted for 10 percent of the company’s iPhone sales.
Cook added that among the 40 new stores that Apple plans to open in 2011, there will be a fifth store added in China. As we reported here last week, Apple’s computer sales still have much room to grow in China, and an additional retail store should help the company improve sales on that front.
Apple also also made big news this past week when it filed a lawsuit against Samsung, claiming the Korean manufacturer had copied its designs.
Photo: Ivan Walsh
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