Samsung could have its own Apple Park with $5 billion, but has the ashes of Galaxy Note 7 ...

Posted:
in iPhone edited March 2017
There are a lot of ways to blow through $5,000,000,000. Apple supposedly spent that much building its new Apple Park campus, while Samsung says it figuratively (and literally) will burn through that much capital in the aftermath of rushing its flawed Galaxy Note 7 to market and then pulling it off shelves in one of the worst operational catastrophes in the history of the smartphone industry.

Apple Park
A very worrysome expenditure Apple may not be able to afford

Apple Park & the insatiable siren song of harping on Apple

The iconic new Apple Park complex, introduced as "Campus 2" by Steve Jobs in 2011, was originally slated to open in 2015. It's now preparing for initial employee occupation in April, just days from now.

Halfway through the project, in 2013, Bloomberg reported that delays had pushed the overall price of the project to (ostensibly) $5 billion, blaming various details including its expansive use of curved glass as a hallmark of its architectural design.

At the time, Peter Burrows wondered out loud to his Bloomberg audience whether critics--particularly Apple's investors--would ask whether "curved glass is the best use of funds," as if Apple were down to its last few dimes and was vexed with a fish or cut bait problem, or perhaps it was nearing the point where it would need to gnaw on its left hand to sustain itself.


Rather than expensive high tech glass, Apple could have used adobe, or erected a cost effective tent


Dire handwringing about the guestimated expense of Apple's new campus became a common theme for pundits, who frequently waxed lyrical about the prospect of Apple--in its vain hubris--overbuilding a grand facility that it subsequently couldn't afford to maintain in its doomed future, just like so many big old corporate dinosaurs before it--none of whom ever sat on $230 billion.

A year ago, Larry Light wrote for CBS Moneywatch of the "curse of the edifice complex," citing skyscrapers built by companies that presaged a major economic decline.

Light specifically cited IBM's 41 story Manhattan skyscraper built in 1983 and Chicago's massive 108 story Sears Tower built in 1973, while also providing a counter example of IAC/InteractiveCorp, which "opened its gorgeous Frank Gehry-designed building in New York in 2007, right before the Great Recession," although "IAC shareholders have done very well over past years."

Of course, Sears also did well for decades before retail shifted online and the century-old catalog giant began to fail. It only relinquished control over what is now the Willis Tower in 2009, 36 years after it was built. The people most concerned with how Apple is spending its money don't seem to even know how it's spending its money

IBM, despite being described by Light as having "retreated from computer making and shrank as a presence in the tech world," has actually grown dramatically since it built its "edifice." After ten years of stock price declines in the 80s that halved the value of its shares by 1994, IBM has since appreciated by 1088 percent. Neither trajectory seemed to be related to owning fancy offices.

And despite foisting its "computer making" upon China's Lenovo (which has not done particularly well as a PC maker since, and is worth a third of IBM), Big Blue is one of the largest global technology firms in the world--and a major partner of Apple in building new mobile workflows for clients including JAL and Banco Santander.

The people most concerned with how Apple is spending its money don't seem to even know how it's spending its money.

Other Apple Parks around the world

With all of the feeble attempts to link Apple Park construction with certain doom in an embittered sort of schadenfreudewunsch, it's easy to forget that Apple has also begun building a third very large Sunnyvale campus (with far less attention), has nearly completed a massive 1 million square foot Americas Operation Center in Austin, Texas (below) and is operating a San Jose, California chip fab for some unknown, very secretive functions, flanked by nearby development sites capable of hosting a fourth major Apple campus in the Bay Area around 101 Tech, directly north of the San Jose airport, where Apple could build another 4 million square feet of office space.

Americas Operation Center in Austin, Texas
Those solar panels are so expensive Apple had to float Green Bonds to afford them


Apple has also leased a million square feet of office space in the Broadway Trade Center in Los Angeles, California and operates what is believed to be a GPU Design Center in Melbourne, Florida near Orlando, as well as having built out a 1.3 million square foot iCloud data center global command facility in Mesa, Arizona.

If we are keeping track of expenses to determine if Apple can afford this stuff, keep in mind that the Mesa facility cost around $2 billion and directs the activities of four multi-billion dollar U.S. iCloud data centers in Maiden, North Carolina; Reno, Nevada; Prineville, Oregon and Newark, California.

Don't worry too much; the Services businesses those iCloud facilities support (including Apple Music and the App Store) helped bring in $7.2 billion in high-margin revenues just in the last three months of 2016.

In addition, Apple has opened new software development centers in Brazil, Italy and India; and built out multiple other research centers including the Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing, China; a technology development center in Hyderabad, India; three silicon-related research and development sites in Herzlia, Ra'anana and Hafia, Israel; a health and materials-related research facility at the Tsunashima Technical Development Center in Yokohama, Japan; a top secret production lab in Longtan, Taiwan; a Siri voice research lab in Cambridge, England; an apparent automotive research site at Kanata Research Park in Ottawa, Canada and a camera optics research facility in Grenoble, France. It also has started work on a new research and development center in Shenzhen, China.

That "$5 billion" Apple Park though!

In all, Apple is now spending around $13 billion per year on capital expenditures, which includes spending on its own facilities and the installation of specialized equipment in the factories of its suppliers.

In fact, the largest driver of Apple's capex is product tooling and manufacturing process equipment, investments made to ensure the delivery of a massive supply of future products. About a quarter of the total is devoted to expanding iCloud data center capacity driving Services growth.

Apple isn't spending that much money on edifice erection. It's spending most of its money on production capacity so that it can build enough products to meet demand. That's currently one of Apple's largest issues, which is why it can't make AirPods--and its most expensive iPhone 7 Plus models--fast enough.

Now, Samsung

Samsung also spends billions on capex, most of which (90 percent, according to the company) is devoted to component research. Of the $22.5 billion Samsung invested last year, about $8.8 billion went into its display panel unit, and $11.8 billion went into its semiconductor group (mostly into memory).

Samsung brought in operating profits of nearly $26.2 billion last year, $9.7 billion of which came from Samsung Mobile, making phones, tablets and PCs in a business unit comparable to Apple--which, incidentally, reported operating profits of $60 billion in fiscal 2016. Apple pays more taxes than Samsung, but its pre-tax profits from phones and other computers are over six times that of Samsung.




While Samsung is investing tens of billions of dollars into developing memory and displays, it's making most of its money (about two-thirds) selling those components to others, rather than selling finished goods like smartphones (or washing machines). So it's a real problem when those other things start exploding into flames that burn the company's reputation among consumers.

What's $5 billion to a big company like Samsung?

Losing $5 billion on the Galaxy Note 7 bonfire (that's Samsung's own estimate) has been happy-faced by a variety of industry flacks tasked with blacking the red and upping the down.

"Samsung has emerged from the ashes of the Galaxy Note 7 debacle in pretty good shape," cheered Sherisse Pham in a rosy article for CNN, in one example.

But imagine if Samsung had instead built its own Apple Park, then obliterated it in a thermonuclear accident caused by negligence. Would that have qualified as an "edifice complex," and would Bloomberg have wondered aloud if investors considered such a disaster a "the best use of funds"?

Research by Fluent was repeated by many blogs to suggest that the damage caused by Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 wouldn't have much impact, noting the finding that "63% of Samsung phone owners said that the Note 7 recall had no impact on their likelihood to purchase a Samsung phone in the future."

Jacob Siegel, writing for BGR, suggested "the company might not have much to worry about," under the headline "Samsungs Note 7 disaster wont stop people buying the Galaxy S8," as if the situation were binary.


Only a third of Samsung's best customers are really concerned and just 14 percent think the Galaxy S8 may also be dangerous


The way numbers actually work means that Fluent's data indicates that 37 percent said it would have an impact on their buying decisions. And 14 percent specifically "said they have safety concerns about the Samsung Galaxy S8," despite being an unrelated design. That's not good.

Samsung's "recovered" smartphone sales last year were still down 25 percent from 2014, the year Samsung's growth got kneecapped by iPhone 6. Even a few percentage points of lost sales due to Note 7 fires--and the way Samsung handled them--would shave off premium phone volumes that contribute much of Samsung Mobile's profits.

The Fluent report also noted that "only 58 percent of Samsung owners say they are likely to purchase another Samsung as their next phone," contrasting with 89 percent of iPhone owners who said they plan to buy another iPhone.

Good thing Apple is massively investing in iPhone production capacity.
brakkenStrangeDaysjohn.bRoyfbDeelron
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 72
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    calimobiusSpamSandwichfotoformatRacerhomieXbaconstangMetriacanthosaurus
  • Reply 2 of 72
    djsherlydjsherly Posts: 1,031member
    I have trouble understanding why this article exists. As an editorial I would assume it's meant to comment on something topical but this just seems to be a rant about pundits complaining about Apple capex with some non-existent nexus with Samsung profits/exploding phones.

    To be honest, the Samsung comparison could have been left out and the article would have stood well on its own, as well as chopping a few hundred words away.

    It's no news flash, but Dilger confirms his zealotry here with a needless comparison with a competitor which adds nothing to the story. But that's no surprise, right?

    :)

    Of Course, it *is* April Fool's day as I wake.
    edited March 2017 gatorguymobiusSpamSandwichavon b7stompyireland
  • Reply 3 of 72
    CapnSlippCapnSlipp Posts: 1unconfirmed, member
    Are you insane? You're claiming that Apple is foolish for spending $5 billion on Apple Park when (as the world's largest company) they're sitting on more $200 billion cash? I'm sorry, but Apple doesn't need to be any bigger or richer. Anything they can spend money on that will result in better products for us is a very good thing.
  • Reply 4 of 72
    jbdragonjbdragon Posts: 2,305member
    CapnSlipp said:
    Are you insane? You're claiming that Apple is foolish for spending $5 billion on Apple Park when (as the world's largest company) they're sitting on more $200 billion cash? I'm sorry, but Apple doesn't need to be any bigger or richer. Anything they can spend money on that will result in better products for us is a very good thing.
    That 5 billion Apple is spending is Apple spreading the wealth all on it's own creating a bunch of jobs all over in the process and California collecting more tax money. Instead of Government stealing the money and wasting it on crap in the name of spreading the wealth. Mostly waste and into the pockets of rich government people.
    calibrakkenanton zuykov
  • Reply 5 of 72
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You seem to have become a bit of a curmudgeon lately. ;)
    SpamSandwichai46brucemcwatto_cobranetmage
  • Reply 6 of 72
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    What is truly amazing is Samsung didn't copy any one else's exploding smart phone!  They actually did this all on their own.  Kudos Samsung.
    roundaboutnowneo-techtundraboyRoyfbstarwarscapasicumpropodanton zuykovchiacornchip
  • Reply 7 of 72
    CyclisteCycliste Posts: 11member
    djsherly said:
    I have trouble understanding why this article exists. 
    For me, it put the context of Samsung's loss of $5 billion into perspective when compared to Apple Park.  I also found it entertaining in a Schadenfreude sort of way. I feel guilty about that. Apple/users need strong competitors.
    StrangeDaysrandominternetpersonai46baconstangwatto_cobranetmage
  • Reply 8 of 72
    brakkenbrakken Posts: 687member
    Samsung' Galactic failure always brings a smile to my face, but Dan's thoroughly amusing and acerbic titles and writing always make me laugh. 
    'Too bad those people at CNN and Bloomberg have a total absence of insight and wit.
    avon b7propodbdfortinbaconstangradarthekatwatto_cobranetmage
  • Reply 9 of 72
    brakkenbrakken Posts: 687member

    MacPro said:
    What is truly amazing is Samsung didn't copy any one else's exploding smart phone!  They actually did this all on their own.  Kudos Samsung.
    Haha - truly innovative! XD
    anton zuykovwatto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 72
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You have a problem with Daniel calling a spade a spade? He writes what we Apple fans think. We don’t say much because of the ‘fanboi’ label. This blog, for example, is divided into two basic groups, one of which is dedicated to counterarguments against any positive news or opinion about Apple.
    Royfbcornchipbaconstangwatto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 72
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member

    Cycliste said:
    djsherly said:
    I have trouble understanding why this article exists. 
    For me, it put the context of Samsung's loss of $5 billion into perspective when compared to Apple Park.  I also found it entertaining in a Schadenfreude sort of way. I feel guilty about that. Apple/users need strong competitors.
    Apple has never had strong competitors. Apple’s ‘competition’ has always been the ‘good enough’ mentality which usually settles for mediocrity.
    watto_cobraMetriacanthosaurus
  • Reply 12 of 72
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    lkrupp said:

    Cycliste said:
    djsherly said:
    I have trouble understanding why this article exists. 
    For me, it put the context of Samsung's loss of $5 billion into perspective when compared to Apple Park.  I also found it entertaining in a Schadenfreude sort of way. I feel guilty about that. Apple/users need strong competitors.
    Apple has never had strong competitors. Apple’s ‘competition’ has always been the ‘good enough’ mentality which usually settles for mediocrity.
    Right. Apple, like Tesla, Space X, Amazon and Netflix is a company that always tries to outdo itself regardless of others.  I find it truly awesome in such a pessimistic and polarized world these companies are shining beacons.

    Edited due to grammatical errors entirely due to single malt.
    edited March 2017 randominternetpersonjony0chiabaconstang
  • Reply 13 of 72
    Lets not get all high and mighty Apple.  There will be a day when they blow (waste) a ton of money on some failed product and the shoe will be on the other foot.  I too agree that 5 billion is too much money to spend on a building .  Plus the ongoing cost to maintain this building will be enormous.  
    avon b7brucemc
  • Reply 14 of 72
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member

    lkrupp said:
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You have a problem with Daniel calling a spade a spade? He writes what we Apple fans think. We don’t say much because of the ‘fanboi’ label. This blog, for example, is divided into two basic groups, one of which is dedicated to counterarguments against any positive news or opinion about Apple.
    Sad but true.  That said Marvin seems to be doing a great job moderating.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 15 of 72
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    MacPro said:
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You seem to have become a bit of a curmudgeon lately. ;)
    Is his comment to be read negatively? I had the exact same thought, but that's because Daniel is very clever with his writing which results in even his headlines having wit. Whether you agree with his editorials or not is another issue altogether.
    StrangeDaysbaconstangwatto_cobra
  • Reply 16 of 72
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    Soli said:
    MacPro said:
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You seem to have become a bit of a curmudgeon lately. ;)
    Is his comment to be read negatively? I had the exact same thought, but that's because Daniel is very clever with his writing which results in even his headlines having wit. Whether you agree with his editorials or not is another issue altogether.
    It wasn't just this post.  Melgross has always been a poster I liked reading, he just seems to have become a wee bit negative of late.  So I was trying to prod him ;)

    I love reading DED, I've yet to disagree with a word he's written to be honest and as a deeply involved  Apple 'person' since 1978 (user, dealer and software company) I claim some right to judge.  I would add I miss PED, his columns were excellent too but I just can't find any these days.
    edited March 2017 jony0baconstangwatto_cobranetmage
  • Reply 17 of 72
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    djsherly said:
    I have trouble understanding why this article exists. As an editorial I would assume it's meant to comment on something topical but this just seems to be a rant about pundits complaining about Apple capex with some non-existent nexus with Samsung profits/exploding phones.

    To be honest, the Samsung comparison could have been left out and the article would have stood well on its own, as well as chopping a few hundred words away.

    It's no news flash, but Dilger confirms his zealotry here with a needless comparison with a competitor which adds nothing to the story. But that's no surprise, right?

    :)

    Of Course, it *is* April Fool's day as I wake.
    Oh lighten up.  You don't have to be a zealot to be pissed off that Google ripped off iOS and used Samsung to proliferate junk at a low price to try to steal business from Apple.   Therefor enjoying gloating at Samsung's problems is totally justified for an Apple user / investor.   Happily Google and Samsung failed and Apple has way over 90% of the profits so let them have at it.  Just a shame about the landfills.
    edited March 2017 SoliStrangeDaysjax44jony0propodbaconstangradarthekat
  • Reply 18 of 72
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    MacPro said:
    Soli said:
    MacPro said:
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You seem to have become a bit of a curmudgeon lately. ;)
    Is his comment to be read negatively? I had the exact same thought, but that's because Daniel is very clever with his writing which results in even his headlines having wit. Whether you agree with his editorials or not is another issue altogether.
    It wasn't just this post.  Melgross has always been a poster I liked reading, he just seems to have become a wee bit negative of late.  So I was trying to prod him ;)

    I love reading DED, I've yet to disagree with a word he's written to be honest and as a deeply involved  Apple 'person' since 1978 (user, dealer and software company) I claim some right to judge.  I would add I miss PED, his columns were excellent too but I just can't find any these days.
     PED?
  • Reply 19 of 72
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    MacPro said:
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You seem to have become a bit of a curmudgeon lately. ;)
    Well, I really don't like articles that knock Apple's major competitors in such an obvious, and disparaging way. What's the point, really? Is he just trying to make his fellow fans happy? I expect more objectivity from writers, and I never see it with Daniel's writing. He gets some glee pounding on the problems and faults of Samsung, in particular.

    while I haven't been a Samsung fan for some time, it makes me uncomfortable. I'm on a lot of sites, and articles like this one are always brought up as proof that Apple users are just fanboys, and that Apple oriented sites, this one in particular, can't be trusted. I don't like that, but it's hard to argue the point, when indeed, we do have fanboy articles published here. All the other writers here avoid this, but he pushes the boundaries of what's proper.
    mobiusavon b7revenantireland
  • Reply 20 of 72
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    lkrupp said:
    melgross said:
    Yep, Daniel, as soon as I read the headline, I knew it was you.
    You have a problem with Daniel calling a spade a spade? He writes what we Apple fans think. We don’t say much because of the ‘fanboi’ label. This blog, for example, is divided into two basic groups, one of which is dedicated to counterarguments against any positive news or opinion about Apple.
    I have a problem with him appealing to fanboys in articles. Sure, we can be fanboys, but writers shouldn't be.
    mobiusavon b7revenanttyler82ireland
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