Hopefully one day I'll have the same problem as APPLE, having to manage extra cash.
we shall not forget APPLE has the challenge to compite to so many other companies and their innovation will have support their invesvements as well as they been doing it.
How about vertically integrating then? It doesn't have to change the company, just buy it or invest in it. Don't know what the fed's would think about that (or if they can even have a say in that).
I am not so sure that those same investors will flee Apple(as you said here);given the kind of Investors(especially Momentum Chasing Hedge Funds) Darling it has become.
But still the below article was an eye-opener of sorts!! An Ipad would cost twice as much as it does today;if it were to be manufactured in the US instead of China!!!
Unless of course the Chinese Govt.chooses to revalue their Currency in response to surging inflation.By 15-20%(atleast);thats when things will probably be more competitive[Comparing production costs in China with those in America].
It's amazing how fast cash can disappear. One day it's there, and the next day it's "unfavorable exchange rate" or "unexpected investment losses" or "inflationary costs." Or even "it's somewhere in Argentina and once we catch him we'll get it back."
Having said that, Apple could invest in integrating its own supply chain to be more sure of its ability to deliver products. Much like the A4 experiment.
Normally, the excess cash of the order of what Apple has, would make for an acquisition. But in case of Apple, I cant see a major acquisition just because it would be difficult for the culture and vision at Apple to merge with another smoothly. It could dilute the nature of products from Apple.
Very interesting article and Backorder points out, it's always a nice problem to have. Has any other country stepped up to the challenge and start providing the materials that Japan can't? I'm thinking of South Korea? Probably they won't be able to handle all the demand but could take advantage of the situation.
Also, do you think Apple should do more with that enormous amount of cash? Invest it somewhere - the dollar doesn't looking very promising.
Ashish, It's unlikely Apple will start manufacturing in the United States simply to satisfy a national call to produce locally. The same investors who boosted the company to become the most valuable tech company will flee its stock if it starts manufacturing its iPhone, iPad and iPod locally without stating clearly how it made financial sense. It comes down to the company's loyalty choice. Is this to the shareholders or to the United States?
Apple needs to build a back-up manufacturing facility here in America.
They got the money,the power and the means to do it.What's stopping them?
Complacency,in fact it would actually make them even more popular with rank and file Americans.They could very well hire a few thousand Americans depending on the facility they design.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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