This isn't true - public corporations are obliged to publish accurate accounts which include the profits of their subsidiaries. Even an very basic overview like https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/04/apple-reports-second-... includes "international" profits.
The confusion here is cause by the (internationally unique as far as I know) American tax rule that allowed US corporations to defer paying their US corporate tax bill. The tax liability still exists. Effectively the rule gave US corporations with large amounts of international profit an indefinite interest free loan.
I'm guessing that the rule was introduced (or at least not suspended earlier) because it acted as a sort of subsidy for US corporations to grow international markets for their products. While the form of this subsidy is unique, many countries indirectly subsidize overseas expansion for companies founded in their jurisdiction, for example by funding export insurance schemes and the like.
The confusion here is cause by the (internationally unique as far as I know) American tax rule that allowed US corporations to defer paying their US corporate tax bill. The tax liability still exists. Effectively the rule gave US corporations with large amounts of international profit an indefinite interest free loan.
I'm guessing that the rule was introduced (or at least not suspended earlier) because it acted as a sort of subsidy for US corporations to grow international markets for their products. While the form of this subsidy is unique, many countries indirectly subsidize overseas expansion for companies founded in their jurisdiction, for example by funding export insurance schemes and the like.