Almost 20% of S&P 500 firms have already alerted investors to the impact of the virus

The outbreak of the coronavirus in China is not only a public health crisis but also a looming threat to global businesses. Nearly one in five S&P 500 companies have already expressed concerns about the impact of the virus on their revenues and profits, according to a CNBC analysis.

Estee Lauder CEO Fabrizio Freda highlighted the challenges ahead, stating, “Chinese consumers in many big cities are staying home and retailers are closing stores or limiting hours in an effort to help contain the spread of the virus.” Similarly, Royal Caribbean Cruises anticipates a significant hit to their earnings due to precautionary cancellations related to the outbreak.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also acknowledged the potential impact of the virus, noting that the company has issued broader revenue ranges for the first quarter to accommodate for the uncertainty. Other companies like McDonald’s have already confirmed location closures in China, further illustrating the widespread repercussions of the epidemic.

While some executives remain cautious about making definitive statements on the financial impact of the virus, the overall sentiment is one of concern and preparedness. With more than three-quarters of S&P 500 companies yet to report their earnings, the full extent of the economic fallout from the coronavirus remains to be seen.

As the situation continues to evolve, businesses are bracing themselves for a challenging period ahead, with the hope that containment efforts will eventually lead to a resolution of the crisis.