Why BofA Says Apple’s Recent Tariff-Fueled Slump Could Be an Opportunity To Buy

Apple’s (AAPL) stock has been hit hard since the Trump administration unveiled sweeping tariffs last week, but Bank of America analysts said that could present an opportunity for investors to buy it at a discount.

In a note to clients Tuesday, the analysts reiterated a “buy” rating and price target of $250, slightly above the average target of $242 compiled by Visible Alpha. The stock was down about 3% at $176.45 in recent trading, and has lost roughly a fifth of its value since last Wednesday’s tariff announcement amid worries about how the tariffs could affect the iPhone maker.

Despite steep tariffs on China, where Apple manufactures about 90% of its hardware, the company still has “many options to mitigate downside risk,” BofA said. Those options could include sourcing more iPhones from India, raising prices, and introducing new, higher-cost products, the analysts said.

“In our view, the pullback presents a particularly enhanced buying opportunity for investors to own a high-quality name,” the analysts said. They added Apple has a stable cash flow, and could stand to benefit from greater adoption of artificial intelligence features on its devices. 

Apple is also reportedly seeking an exemption from the tariffs, like the one it received during the first Trump administration. JPMorgan analysts said last week that if Apple doesn’t get an exemption, it would face pressure to raise prices to offset the tariff impact.