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QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM)

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March 22, 2025Undervalued
Compared to:

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) | Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN) | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK)

Key takeaways
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Qualcomm appears moderately undervalued based on its strong financial performance, growth prospects, and valuation metrics significantly below industry averages. The company's successful diversification into automotive and IoT sectors, coupled with its leadership in 5G and edge AI technologies, suggest potential for future growth that may not be fully reflected in the current stock price. However, risks such as customer concentration and ongoing legal challenges temper the undervaluation assessment.

  • Qualcomm's revenue increased from $9.389 billion in Q1 2024 to $11.669 billion in Q4 2024, driven by strong performance in the premium smartphone market and diversification into automotive and IoT sectors.
  • The company's ROA, ROE, and ROIC are significantly above industry averages, indicating superior profitability and efficiency, with ROA ranging from 16.65% to 19.46% compared to the industry average of -12.50%.
  • Qualcomm is successfully diversifying its revenue streams, with automotive and IoT segments growing by 61% and 36%, respectively, in Q1 2025, contributing to the company's goal of achieving $22 billion in non-handset revenues by 2029.
  • The Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio ranged from 14.01 to 21.55, significantly below the industry average of 257.24, suggesting that Qualcomm may be undervalued compared to its peers.
  • Management guidance for Q2 2025 projects non-GAAP revenues of $10.2 billion to $11 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $2.70 to $2.90, reflecting continued growth expectations.
  • Qualcomm faces risks related to customer concentration, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing legal challenges, which could impact its future performance.
  • Compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK), Qualcomm has shown mixed performance, outperforming YTD but underperforming over longer periods (1-3 years), with higher volatility and risk.
  • The company's strong cash flow generation and decreasing debt-to-equity ratio indicate improved financial stability and the ability to invest in growth opportunities and return value to shareholders.
  • Qualcomm's progress in the PC market, with over 80 Snapdragon X series designs in production or development, presents a promising new revenue stream and diversification opportunity.
  • Analysts are focused on the potential impact of China subsidies, PC market adoption rates, and QTL licensing assumptions, highlighting key areas of uncertainty and potential catalysts for future performance.
Evaluation summary
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  1. Company Overview:

    • QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM) develops and commercializes foundational technologies and products used in mobile devices and other wireless products. Its operations are divided into three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), which develops and supplies integrated circuits and system software; Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), which grants licenses and provides rights to use the firm's intellectual property portfolio; and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI), which focuses on opening new opportunities for its technologies.
    • QCT's products are used in voice and data communications, networking, application processing, multimedia, and global positioning systems. QTL generates revenue by licensing Qualcomm's patents essential to 3G, 4G, and 5G wireless technologies.
    • For comparative analysis, the company's performance is benchmarked against the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and evaluated against industry peers Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN).
  2. Financial Performance:

    • Qualcomm's financial performance shows a positive trend in revenue and profitability. The company's revenue increased from $9.389 billion in Q1 2024 to $11.669 billion in Q4 2024.
    • Net income also increased significantly, from $2.275 billion in Q1 2024 to $3.180 billion in Q4 2024.
    • Gross profit margin remained relatively stable, ranging from 55.56% to 56.39% across the four quarters. Net profit margin also showed consistency, ranging from 22.44% to 28.46%.
    • Return on Assets (ROA) ranged from 16.65% to 19.46%, Return on Equity (ROE) ranged from 38.26% to 42.25%, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) ranged from 22.78% to 27.26%. These figures are significantly above the industry averages of -12.50% for ROA, -29.48% for ROE, and -20.41% for ROIC, indicating superior profitability and efficiency.
  3. Operational Efficiency:

    • Qualcomm's total assets increased from $53.167 billion in Q1 2024 to $55.575 billion in Q4 2024, while total liabilities remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from $28.698 billion to $28.695 billion.
    • Working capital decreased from $15.089 billion in Q1 2024 to $16.111 billion in Q4 2024, indicating efficient management of current assets and liabilities.
    • Net operating cash flow increased from $3.554 billion in Q1 2024 to $4.587 billion in Q4 2024, demonstrating strong cash generation from core operations.
    • Free cash flow to equity also showed a positive trend, increasing from $3.370 billion in Q1 2024 to $4.310 billion in Q4 2024.
    • Capital expenditure remained relatively stable, ranging from $184 million to $387 million across the four quarters, while depreciation and amortization ranged from $411 million to $439 million.
    • The company returned value to shareholders through dividends, with dividends per share consistently at $0.85 in the last three quarters of 2024 and $0.80 in Q1 2024. Cash dividends paid ranged from $895 million to $949 million.
    • The current ratio ranged from 2.39 to 2.65, below the industry average of 4.37, while the quick ratio ranged from 1.72 to 1.99, also below the industry average of 3.56.
    • The debt-to-equity ratio decreased from 63.17% in Q1 2024 to 54.23% in Q4 2024, indicating reduced financial leverage. The debt/EBITDA ratio also decreased from 1.43 to 1.16, reflecting improved debt management relative to earnings.
  4. Growth Opportunities:

    • Qualcomm is focused on expanding its market presence in the automotive and IoT sectors, as highlighted in the earnings call. The company reported significant year-over-year growth in these segments, with automotive growing by 61% and IoT by 36% in Q1 2025.
    • The company is also making progress in the PC market, with over 80 Snapdragon X series designs in production or development, targeting over 100 commercialized devices by 2026.
    • Qualcomm is emphasizing its leadership in edge AI, with the DeepSeek-R1 model's rapid integration into Snapdragon-powered devices.
    • Strategic partnerships with key automotive players such as Alps Alpine, Amazon, Google, Leapmotor, Mahindra, and Hyundai Mobis are expected to drive growth in the software-defined vehicle market.
    • The company aims to achieve $22 billion in non-handset revenues by 2029, indicating a strong focus on diversification.
  5. Recent Developments and Market Sentiment:

    • Qualcomm's Q1 2025 earnings report revealed record revenues and earnings, significantly surpassing analyst projections. This positive performance was driven by strong results across multiple segments, particularly in the premium smartphone market.
    • The company's diversification strategy is proving effective, with substantial growth in the automotive and IoT segments, reducing reliance on the handset market.
    • Qualcomm's leadership in edge AI is expected to drive future growth, as on-device AI inference becomes more prevalent.
    • The company's progress in the PC market, with strong design wins and increasing market share, indicates a promising new revenue stream.
    • While the Chinese market remains important, uncertainties exist due to government subsidies and overall market dynamics.
    • Management's outlook is positive, but analysts have raised concerns about potential risks related to QTL licensing agreements, the competitive landscape, and macroeconomic factors.
  6. Risks and Threats:

    • Qualcomm faces risks related to customer concentration, as a small number of customers account for a large portion of its revenues.
    • The potential for customers to develop their own integrated circuit products could reduce demand for Qualcomm's offerings.
    • Geopolitical conflicts, trade policies, and regulatory challenges could disrupt operations or limit business opportunities.
    • Cybersecurity threats and risks related to product defects or security vulnerabilities pose ongoing challenges.
    • The ability to attract and retain qualified employees, particularly engineering talent, is critical for maintaining its technology leadership.
    • Ongoing legal challenges related to Qualcomm's patent licensing practices create uncertainty and potential liabilities.
  7. Valuation Analysis:

    • The Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio ranged from 14.01 to 21.55 across the four quarters, significantly below the industry average of 257.24, suggesting that Qualcomm may be undervalued compared to its peers.
    • The Enterprise Value to Sales ratio ranged from 4.34 to 6.49, also below the industry average of 11.49, further indicating potential undervaluation.
  8. Price Performance:

    • Qualcomm's stock price has shown fluctuations in early 2025. From January 21, 2025, to March 21, 2025, the stock price ranged from approximately $151.94 to $174.92.
    • Compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK), Qualcomm has shown mixed performance. Year-to-date, QCOM has outperformed XLK by 10.38%. However, over longer periods such as 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, QCOM has underperformed XLK by -8.42%, -16.84%, and -33.21%, respectively.
    • Compared to peers, QCOM has outperformed AMD but underperformed TXN over the past year.
  9. Future Outlook:

    • Management guidance for Q2 2025 projects non-GAAP revenues of $10.2 billion to $11 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $2.70 to $2.90.
    • QTL revenue is projected to be $1.25 billion to $1.45 billion, and QCT revenue is expected to be $8.9 billion to $9.5 billion.
    • The guidance assumes a flat or low single-digit growth in the overall smartphone market, excluding potential upside from China subsidies and AI replacement rates.
    • Management expects QTL fiscal year 2025 revenues to be consistent with fiscal year 2024.
    • Analysts are focused on the potential impact of China subsidies, PC market adoption rates, and QTL licensing assumptions.
  10. Summary:

    • Qualcomm demonstrates strong financial health with increasing revenue, high profitability, and solid cash flow generation. The company is effectively diversifying its revenue streams and investing in growth opportunities.
    • Key strengths include its leadership in wireless technology, strong financial performance, and successful diversification strategy. Weaknesses include customer concentration and exposure to geopolitical risks.
    • Opportunities lie in expanding into new markets like automotive and IoT, leveraging its edge AI capabilities, and increasing its presence in the PC market. Threats include intense competition, regulatory challenges, and potential economic downturns.
    • Qualcomm's valuation metrics suggest that it may be undervalued compared to its peers. However, its stock price has shown volatility and mixed performance compared to benchmarks and peers.
    • Critical factors for future performance include the successful execution of its diversification strategy, the ability to maintain its technology leadership, and the management of geopolitical and regulatory risks.
    • Areas requiring further monitoring include the impact of China subsidies on the smartphone market, the adoption rate of Snapdragon X in PCs, and the resolution of ongoing legal challenges.
    • Overall, Qualcomm presents a compelling investment profile with strong growth potential balanced against identified risks. Its position relative to industry trends and recent developments suggests that it is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Price history
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Fundamentals
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Insights
  • Qualcomm is a financially healthy company with strong revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow generation.
  • The company is effectively managing its costs and improving profitability, as evidenced by increasing margins.
  • Qualcomm is investing in growth while still maintaining strong profitability.
  • The company's strong financial position gives it the flexibility to invest in growth and return value to shareholders.
  • The company's diversification strategy is expected to continue to pay off, as it expands into new markets like automotive and IoT.
  • The company faces risks related to customer concentration, geopolitical tensions, legal challenges, and competition for talent.
Analysis
  • Revenue - Qualcomm's revenue growth is driven by strong demand for its products and technologies, particularly in the premium smartphone market. - The company is seeing strong growth in its automotive and IoT segments, which are diversifying its revenue streams. - The success of the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, particularly in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, is a key driver of revenue growth. - The company's revenue growth is outpacing the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm is gaining market share.
    • Profitability
      • Qualcomm is effectively managing its costs and improving profitability, as evidenced by increasing margins.
      • The company's return on assets, return on equity, and return on invested capital are all significantly above the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm is generating a high return for its shareholders.
      • The company's gross profit margin, net profit margin, and EBITDA margin are all significantly above the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm is generating a high profit margin on its sales.
    • Liquidity
      • Qualcomm's strong cash position and increasing total current assets indicate a healthy liquidity position and the ability to meet short-term obligations.
      • The company's current ratio and quick ratio are below the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm may have a lower level of liquidity than its peers.
    • Solvency
      • The company's decreasing long-term debt suggests a focus on reducing financial leverage and improving financial stability.
      • The company's total debt to total equity ratio and debt to EBITDA ratio are significantly below the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm has a low level of debt relative to its earnings.
    • Operational Efficiency
      • The company's return on assets, return on equity, and return on invested capital are all significantly above the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm is effectively utilizing its assets to generate profits.
      • The company's gross profit margin, net profit margin, and EBITDA margin are all significantly above the industry average, indicating that Qualcomm is generating a high profit margin on its sales.
      • The decrease in net property, plant, and equipment could indicate a shift towards a more asset-light business model or a focus on strategic investments in key areas.
    • Cash Flow Analysis
      • Qualcomm is generating strong free cash flow, which is providing the company with the financial flexibility to invest in growth opportunities, such as acquisitions or investments in new technologies.
      • The company's cash flow from operations is increasing, indicating that Qualcomm's core business operations are generating strong cash flow.
      • The company's capital expenditures are decreasing, suggesting a focus on organic growth and strategic investments in key areas.
      • The company's dividend growth is sustainable, given its strong free cash flow generation.
    • Risk Factors
      • The company's reliance on a small number of customers for a large portion of its revenue could pose a risk if these customers decide to develop their own integrated circuit products.
      • The company's exposure to geopolitical conflicts, trade policies, and regulatory challenges could disrupt operations or limit business opportunities.
      • The company's ongoing legal challenges related to its patent licensing practices create uncertainty and potential liabilities that could impact the business.
      • The company's ability to attract and retain qualified employees, particularly engineering talent, is critical for maintaining its technology leadership.
    • Future Outlook
      • Qualcomm is expected to continue to grow its revenue and profitability in the coming quarters.
      • The company's diversification strategy is expected to continue to pay off, as it expands into new markets like automotive and IoT.
      • The company's strong financial position gives it the flexibility to invest in growth and return value to shareholders.
      • The company's strong free cash flow generation will provide the company with the financial flexibility to invest in growth opportunities, such as acquisitions or investments in new technologies.
      • The company's dividend growth is expected to continue, as it seeks to return value to shareholders.
Financial statements
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Public filings
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  • Qualcomm is a leading provider of wireless connectivity and computing technologies, with a strong patent portfolio and licensing business that generates high-margin revenues
  • The company faces intense competition and risks of customer vertical integration, which could reduce demand for its semiconductor products
  • Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, pose significant threats to Qualcomm's global operations and access to key markets and suppliers
  • Ongoing legal challenges related to its patent licensing practices create uncertainty and potential liabilities that could impact the business
  • Qualcomm is investing heavily in 5G, automotive, and IoT technologies to diversify its revenue streams and capitalize on emerging industry trends, but the success of these initiatives remains uncertain
  • Attracting and retaining top engineering talent is critical for Qualcomm to maintain its technology leadership, but the highly competitive labor market poses recruitment and retention risks

Core Business and Operations:

  • Qualcomm is a global technology leader, developing and commercializing foundational technologies for wireless connectivity, high-performance computing, and on-device artificial intelligence
  • The company operates primarily through two business segments:
    • QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies): Develops and supplies integrated circuit products and system software for mobile devices, automotive systems, and IoT applications
    • QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing): Grants licenses and provides rights to use portions of Qualcomm's intellectual property portfolio, including patents essential to 3G, 4G, and 5G wireless technologies
  • Key customers include major smartphone OEMs like Apple, Samsung, and Chinese manufacturers; main competitors include Broadcom, MediaTek, Nvidia, and others

Industry and Market Trends:

  • Wireless industry is highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change, with the transition to 5G networks and devices driving significant innovation
  • Demand for Qualcomm's products and technologies is closely tied to the growth and adoption of smartphones, as well as the expansion into new industries like automotive and IoT
  • Regulatory environment and government policies, particularly U.S.-China trade tensions, can significantly impact Qualcomm's business and operations

Recent Events:

  • Completed acquisition of Veoneer in fiscal 2022, expanding into automotive technology
  • Entered into new patent licensing agreements with several key OEMs in fiscal 2024
  • Initiated litigation against Shenzhen Transsion Holdings to enforce intellectual property rights

Risk Factors:

  • Significant customer and revenue concentration, with a small number of customers/licensees accounting for a large portion of revenues
  • Potential for customers to develop their own integrated circuit products, reducing demand for Qualcomm's offerings
  • Exposure to geopolitical conflicts, trade policies, and regulatory challenges that could disrupt operations or limit business opportunities
  • Cybersecurity threats and risks related to product defects or security vulnerabilities
  • Ability to attract and retain qualified employees, particularly engineering talent

Legal Matters:

  • Ongoing consumer class action lawsuits and governmental investigations related to Qualcomm's patent licensing practices
  • Litigation with Arm Ltd. over the acquisition of Nuvia and related intellectual property disputes
  • Potential liability and costs associated with various other legal proceedings and regulatory actions

Management's Discussion and Analysis:

  • Revenues grew 9% year-over-year in fiscal 2024, driven by higher QCT equipment/services and QTL licensing revenues
  • Gross margins remained flat, while operating expenses increased due to higher R&D, sales/marketing, and other costs
  • Strong cash flow from operations, but higher income taxes paid adversely impacted cash balances
  • Continued investment in 5G technology development, automotive, and IoT initiatives to drive future growth
Earnings calls
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Earnings Report 2025Q1 (2025-02-05)

Key takeaways
  1. Strong Q1 2025 Results Exceeded Expectations: Qualcomm's record revenues and earnings significantly surpassed analyst projections, driven by strong performance across multiple segments.
  2. Premium Smartphone Segment Remains Key Growth Driver: The continued expansion of the premium smartphone market, coupled with Qualcomm's strong market share and increasing content per device, is a significant factor in the company's success.
  3. Diversification is Paying Off: The substantial growth in automotive and IoT segments demonstrates the effectiveness of Qualcomm's diversification strategy, mitigating reliance on the handset market.
  4. Edge AI Presents Significant Growth Opportunity: Qualcomm's leadership in edge AI is poised to drive substantial future growth, as on-device AI inference becomes increasingly prevalent.
  5. PC Market Entry is Gaining Traction: Qualcomm's progress in the PC market, with strong design wins and increasing market share, indicates a promising new revenue stream.
  6. China Market Remains Important, but Uncertainties Exist: While the Chinese market continues to be a significant contributor to Qualcomm's revenue, the impact of government subsidies and overall market dynamics introduces uncertainty.
  7. Management's Outlook is Positive, but Risks Remain: While management expressed strong confidence in the company's future, analysts raised concerns about potential risks related to QTL licensing agreements, the competitive landscape, and macroeconomic factors.
Focus of management’s prepared remarks
  • Record Financial Performance: Qualcomm reported record revenues ($11.7B) and non-GAAP EPS ($3.41) in fiscal Q1 2025, exceeding guidance. QCT achieved its first $10B quarter.
  • Strong Snapdragon Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite platform achieved exceptional traction in premium-tier handsets, driving significant revenue growth. The platform's success is highlighted by its global adoption in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series.
  • Diversification Growth: Significant year-over-year growth was reported in automotive (61%) and IoT (36%) segments, demonstrating the success of diversification strategies.
  • Edge AI Leadership: Qualcomm emphasized its leadership in edge AI, highlighting the increasing importance of on-device AI inference and the potential for significant future growth in this area. The DeepSeek-R1 model's rapid integration into Snapdragon-powered devices was cited as an example.
  • PC Market Expansion: Significant progress in the PC market was noted, with over 80 Snapdragon X series designs in production or development, targeting over 100 commercialized devices by 2026. A new Snapdragon X platform targeting the $600 price range was announced.
  • XR Market Leadership: Qualcomm reinforced its leading position in the XR market, highlighting collaborations with Meta and Google, and the upcoming launch of a Samsung-built Android XR device powered by Snapdragon.
  • Automotive Partnerships: New collaborations with key automotive players (Alps Alpine, Amazon, Google, Leapmotor, Mahindra, Hyundai Mobis) were announced, emphasizing Qualcomm's leadership in the software-defined vehicle market. The launch of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis Workbench was also highlighted.
  • QTL Business Strength: Management expressed confidence in the QTL business, highlighting the extension of key agreements with major OEMs and the signing of new long-term license agreements.
  • Arm Trial Resolution: The positive outcome of the Arm vs. Qualcomm trial was presented as a significant victory, vindicating Qualcomm's CPU innovations and securing the license for its Oryon CPUs.
  • $22 Billion Non-Handset Revenue Target: The company reiterated its commitment to achieving $22 billion in non-handset revenues by 2029.
Focus of the analyst Q&A
  • QTL Guidance and Assumptions: Analysts sought clarification on the flat year-over-year QTL guidance, specifically inquiring about assumptions regarding unit shipments, royalty per unit, and the potential impact of ongoing negotiations with Huawei. Concerns were raised about the lack of Huawei revenue in the guidance.

  • PC Market Adoption: Analysts inquired about the projected trajectory of Snapdragon X adoption in PCs for 2025 and 2026, focusing on the anticipated adoption curve between enterprise and consumer markets. Questions were raised about OEM partner feedback regarding this adoption.

  • China Smartphone Market and Subsidies: Analysts sought insights into the impact of government subsidies on the Chinese smartphone market and their effect on Qualcomm's performance, specifically regarding consumer response and the growth trajectory of Chinese Android OEMs.

  • QTL Huawei Negotiations: Analysts pressed for clarification on whether the flat year-over-year QTL guidance included any potential revenue from a settlement with Huawei.

  • Tariff Impacts and Pre-Builds: Analysts asked about the potential influence of tariffs on pre-builds or increased demand in the near term.

  • June Quarter Seasonality: Analysts sought clarification on the expected seasonality of the June quarter, considering the impact of Samsung's share gain and the typical absence of flagship launches.

  • Pricing and ASPs: Analysts inquired about the impact of higher price points on Snapdragon chips, considering both increased features due to AI and higher wafer costs. Questions were raised about the long-term impact on ASPs and how OEM customers are managing these price increases.

  • IoT Segment Cyclicality: Analysts asked about the cyclicality within the IoT segment, specifically addressing the negative sequential comparisons observed in recent quarters.

  • QCT Gross Margins: Analysts sought an explanation for the unexpectedly strong sequential performance of QCT gross margins.

  • Modem Situation with Large Customer: Analysts asked about any changes in the company's outlook regarding the modem situation with a major customer, specifically inquiring about the potential duration of the relationship.

  • Size of PC Business within IoT: Analysts sought an estimate of the size of the PC business within the IoT segment, based on the reported market share in the US.

  • Longevity of Smartphone Growth: Analysts questioned the sustainability of the strong year-over-year growth in smartphones, considering the overall market growth rate and the impact of factors like Samsung's share gain and China's market dynamics. The question focused on whether Qualcomm could continue to grow even if the overall market does not. A follow-up specifically requested an update on the China market.

Summary
  1. Financial Performance: Qualcomm reported record revenues of $11.7 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $3.41 in fiscal Q1 2025, exceeding the high end of guidance. QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies) achieved record revenues of $10.1 billion, driven by record handset and automotive revenues. QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing) revenues were $1.5 billion, in line with expectations. Year-over-year growth was significant across various segments, particularly in automotive (61%) and IoT (36%). The company returned $2.7 billion to stockholders.

  2. Revenue Drivers: Strong performance was driven by several factors: record handset revenues fueled by higher volume and content increase in Android premium tier smartphones, particularly the Samsung Galaxy S25 series; robust growth in automotive and IoT segments due to new product launches and increased content; and strong design win momentum in PCs with over 80 designs in production or development. The success of the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform was a key driver across multiple segments. Increased demand in China for premium devices also contributed significantly.

  3. Profit Margins and Cost Management: QCT EBT margins of 32% exceeded guidance, reflecting revenue upside and operating leverage. QTL EBT margin was 75%, in line with expectations. The impact of TSMC price increases for 3 and 4 nanometer chips was acknowledged, with management stating that the objective is to reflect cost increases in ASPs over time. Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong margins.

  4. Guidance and Outlook: Q2 2025 guidance projects non-GAAP revenues of $10.2 billion to $11 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $2.70 to $2.90. QTL revenue is projected to be $1.25 billion to $1.45 billion with EBT margins of 69% to 73%. QCT revenue is expected to be $8.9 billion to $9.5 billion with EBT margins of 29% to 31%. The guidance assumes a flat or low single-digit growth in the overall smartphone market, excluding potential upside from China subsidies and AI replacement rates. Management expects QTL fiscal year 2025 revenues to be consistent with fiscal year 2024.

  5. Strategic Initiatives: Qualcomm highlighted its strong position in the growing edge AI market, emphasizing the increasing importance of on-device AI inference. The company announced several strategic partnerships, including collaborations with major OEMs for Snapdragon-powered PCs, automotive solutions, and XR devices. New product launches, such as the Snapdragon X for PCs and the Snapdragon Digital Chassis Workbench for automotive, were also emphasized. The company is committed to achieving $22 billion in non-handset revenues by 2029.

  6. Management Commentary: Management expressed strong optimism about the company's performance and future prospects, highlighting record revenues and earnings. They emphasized the success of the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform and the strong momentum in diversification initiatives. The positive resolution of the Arm vs. Qualcomm trial was also noted. The overall tone was confident and positive, emphasizing the company's leadership in key technology areas and its strong market position.

  7. Industry and Market Conditions: Management acknowledged the potential impact of China subsidies on the smartphone market but did not include this in their Q2 guidance. They observed a continued growth in the premium tier smartphone market, which benefits Qualcomm. The company anticipates continued growth in automotive and IoT segments. Management noted that the strong performance was driven by end-customer demand and not pre-tariff pull-forwards.

Comparative analysis
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Benchmarks (as of 2025-03-21)
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK)
  • Performance Comparison:

    • QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM) has shown mixed performance compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK). Year-to-date, QCOM has outperformed XLK by 10.38%. However, over longer periods such as 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, QCOM has underperformed XLK by -8.42%, -16.84%, and -33.21%, respectively. This suggests that while QCOM has had recent positive momentum, its longer-term performance has lagged behind the broader technology sector.
  • Risk and Return Analysis:

    • The annualized returns show that QCOM has provided lower returns than XLK over the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year periods. For example, the 3-year annualized return for QCOM is 2.14%, compared to 11.81% for XLK.
    • The annualized volatility data indicates that QCOM is generally more volatile than XLK. For instance, in Q3 2024, QCOM's volatility ranged from 28.73% to 63.59%, while XLK's ranged from 17.18% to 35.82%. This higher volatility suggests that QCOM carries a higher level of risk compared to the broader technology sector.
    • The drawdown figures show that QCOM has experienced larger maximum drawdowns than XLK. QCOM's maximum drawdown was -44.29% on 2022-11-03, while XLK's was -33.56% on 2022-10-12. This indicates that QCOM is subject to more significant declines from peak values, further highlighting its higher risk profile.
  • Risk-Adjusted Performance:

    • The Sharpe Ratio analysis reveals that XLK generally offers better risk-adjusted returns compared to QCOM. The Sharpe ratios for XLK are consistently higher than those of QCOM throughout the analyzed period.
    • The Beta values indicate that QCOM is more sensitive to market movements than XLK. QCOM's beta is consistently higher than XLK's, suggesting that QCOM's price is likely to fluctuate more than XLK in response to market changes. As of Q1 2025, the beta for QCOM is 1.90, while the beta for XLK is 1.59.
  • Overall Assessment:

    • Based on the analysis, QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM) exhibits higher volatility and risk compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK). While QCOM has shown recent outperformance year-to-date, its longer-term returns have lagged behind the broader technology sector, and it has experienced larger drawdowns. The Sharpe Ratio indicates that XLK offers better risk-adjusted returns. QCOM's higher beta suggests it is more sensitive to market movements.
    • A significant trend is the recent decrease in volatility for both QCOM and XLK as of Q1 2025, although QCOM remains more volatile. Investors should be aware of QCOM's higher risk profile and consider whether the potential for higher returns justifies the increased volatility and drawdown risk.
Peers Price History(as of 2025-03-21)
  • Performance Comparison:

    • QUALCOMM (QCOM) has shown mixed performance compared to Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Texas Instruments (TXN). Over the past year, QCOM underperformed TXN but significantly outperformed AMD. For instance, QCOM's 1-year return was -5.96%, while AMD's was -40.75% and TXN's was 6.68%. Over a 2-year period, QCOM outperformed both AMD and TXN, with returns of 34.52% compared to 9.08% and 7.72%, respectively.
    • QCOM's performance has been inconsistent, with periods of outperformance and underperformance relative to its peers. In the short term (Year-To-Date and 1 Week), QCOM's performance has been varied, showing overperformance YTD but underperformance over the last week.
  • Risk and Return Analysis:

    • QCOM's annualized returns have been mixed. Over 1 year, QCOM's annualized return was -5.96%, which is better than AMD's -40.75% but worse than TXN's 6.68%. Over 2 years, QCOM's annualized return was 15.98%, outperforming both AMD (4.44%) and TXN (3.79%).
    • QCOM's annualized volatility has generally decreased over time but remains moderate. For example, in Q1 2022, QCOM's volatility was 54.61, decreasing to 34.22 by Q1 2025. AMD consistently exhibited higher volatility, while TXN showed lower volatility.
    • QCOM's maximum drawdown was -44.06% on 2023-05-24, which is less severe than AMD's -65.45% but more significant than TXN's -25.52%. This indicates that QCOM carries a moderate level of risk compared to its peers.
  • Risk-Adjusted Performance:

    • QCOM's Sharpe Ratio has been volatile, indicating inconsistent risk-adjusted returns. TXN generally exhibited higher Sharpe Ratios, suggesting better risk-adjusted performance. In Q1 2025, QCOM's Sharpe Ratios ranged from 0.78 to -0.01, while TXN's ranged from 0.99 to 0.26.
    • QCOM's beta values have consistently been above 1, indicating that the stock is more volatile than the market. As of March 2025, QCOM's beta was around 1.9, suggesting higher market sensitivity compared to TXN (around 1.3).
  • Overall Assessment:

    • QUALCOMM (QCOM) presents a mixed profile compared to Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Texas Instruments (TXN). QCOM has demonstrated strong performance over longer periods (2-3 years) but has shown inconsistency in shorter time frames. Its risk profile is moderate, with volatility and drawdown figures falling between those of AMD and TXN.
    • A key trend is the decreasing annualized volatility for all three companies, suggesting a stabilization in the semiconductor market. However, AMD remains the most volatile, while TXN offers more stable, risk-adjusted returns.
    • Investors should consider QCOM's inconsistent short-term performance and moderate risk profile. While QCOM has shown strong returns over longer periods, its volatile Sharpe Ratio and beta above 1 indicate that it may not be suitable for risk-averse investors. TXN appears to offer a more stable and risk-adjusted investment option, while AMD carries higher risk with potentially higher returns.
Peers Fundamentals(as of 2024-12-31)
  1. Market Position and Size:

    • QCOM is the largest company in the peer group, with a market cap significantly larger than AMD and TXN.
    • QCOM's market cap is reflected in its financial performance, with higher revenue, EBITDA, and net income compared to its peers.
    • This suggests QCOM holds a dominant position in the semiconductor industry, benefiting from its size and market share.
  2. Profitability and Efficiency:

    • QCOM exhibits strong profitability, with higher Gross Profit Margin, EBITDA Margin, and Net Profit Margin than its peers and the industry average.
    • QCOM demonstrates high efficiency in generating returns on assets, equity, total capital, and invested capital, exceeding its peers and industry benchmarks.
    • This indicates QCOM's ability to effectively manage costs, generate strong profits, and utilize its resources efficiently.
  3. Financial Health and Stability:

    • QCOM maintains a moderate level of liquidity, with Current Ratio and Quick Ratio lower than its peers and the industry average.
    • QCOM has a moderate level of debt, with Total Debt to Total Equity Ratio and Debt / EBITDA lower than TXN and the industry average but higher than AMD.
    • This suggests QCOM has a moderate level of financial risk, but it is not as risky as its peers or the industry average.
  4. Valuation and Market Perception:

    • QCOM is significantly undervalued compared to its peers and industry standards based on its sales, EBITDA, and earnings.
    • This suggests that the market may be underestimating QCOM's potential, potentially indicating an attractive investment opportunity.
  5. Cash Flow and Capital Management:

    • QCOM generates strong cash flow from its operations, with higher Net Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow than its peers, considering their respective market caps.
    • QCOM's capital expenditure is lower than TXN but higher than AMD, suggesting a moderate level of investment in capital assets.
    • This indicates QCOM's ability to effectively manage its capital and generate strong cash flow, even at a large scale.
  6. Growth and Future Prospect:

    • QCOM's growth in sales, EBITDA, net income, and basic earnings per share is consistently lower than the peer group average, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining market share or competitive advantage.
    • QCOM's growth rates have been consistently decreasing over the 5-year period, and its most recent year-over-year growth rates are lower than its 5-year CAGRs, suggesting a potential deceleration in growth and a need to find new avenues for expansion.
    • However, QCOM shows superior growth in free cash flow and free cash flow margin compared to peers, indicating its ability to generate strong cash flow from its operations.
    • This suggests that QCOM may need to find new ways to drive growth and maintain its market share, while focusing on its strong cash flow generation capabilities.
  7. Potential for Investment:

    • QCOM's strong profitability, efficiency, and cash flow generation make it a potentially attractive investment.
    • However, its lagging growth and undervaluation compared to peers and industry standards raise concerns about its future prospects and investor confidence.
    • Investors should carefully consider QCOM's growth prospects and valuation before making an investment decision.
  8. Key Risks and Considerations:

    • QCOM's lagging growth compared to peers could indicate a loss of market share or competitive advantage, potentially impacting its future profitability.
    • QCOM's undervaluation compared to peers and industry standards suggests a lack of market confidence in its future prospects, which could limit its ability to raise capital or attract investors.
    • QCOM's declining growth trends suggest a potential deceleration in growth, which could impact its future performance and profitability.
  9. Overall Assessment:

    • QCOM is a financially strong company with high profitability, efficient returns, and strong cash flow generation.
    • However, QCOM's growth is lagging behind its peers, and its valuation is significantly lower than its peers and industry standards.
    • This suggests that QCOM may be facing challenges in maintaining its competitive position and attracting investor confidence.
    • Investors should carefully consider QCOM's growth prospects and valuation before making an investment decision.
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