Apple supplier Foxconn's profit down 24% in last quarter of 2019
[TAIPEI] Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn reported a 23.7 per cent fall in profit in the last three months of 2019 on Monday as it braces for the impact from the coronavirus pandemic that has hit demand from key customers such as Apple.
Foxconn, which assembles iPhones at factories in China, reported net profit of NT$47.76 billion (S$2.25 billion), according to Reuters calculations, slightly above an average forecast of NT$46.94 billion from 14 analysts compiled by Refinitiv.
The world's largest contract electronics manufacturer did not given any explanation for the decline from NT$62.61 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Foxconn is among manufacturers worldwide grappling with the fallout from coronavirus restrictions that have disrupted supply chains and hurt demand.
Apple, its biggest client, rescinded its outlook for the first quarter of 2020 saying manufacturing in China had taken longer than expected to resume amid travel restrictions and an extended Lunar New Year break.
Foxconn warned this month that revenue would fall more than 15 per cent in businesses including consumer electronics in the first quarter. But it said revenue would recover thereafter as production returns to normal in virus-hit China.
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Foxconn reported its biggest monthly drop in revenue in about seven years in February as the outbreak continued to play havoc with its business.
Shares in the company, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, have fallen more than 12 per cent this year.
REUTERS
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Companies & Markets
China knockoff raid jolts a global throng of fake-fashion influencers
Tesla profits tumble but shares rise on new vehicle plan
Brokers’ take: CGS International upgrades Nanofilm to ‘hold’ despite lower target price
Roche cuts pipeline after research setbacks and sales drop
Brokerage Haitong removes long-term Hong Kong unit chief Lin, appoints new head
London stocks hit new record at open