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Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)
NASDAQ:QCOM

Qualcomm (QCOM) AI Stock Analysis

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Qualcomm

(NASDAQ:QCOM)

Rating:81Outperform
Price Target:
$177.00
▲(9.04%Upside)
Qualcomm's overall stock score of 81 reflects strong financial performance, strategic technical advancements, and a balanced valuation. The most significant factors include robust profitability, strategic growth in automotive and IoT sectors, and a positive impact from the Alphawave acquisition. While licensing revenue remains flat and global trade uncertainties persist, Qualcomm's diversified growth strategy and commitment to shareholder returns present a favorable investment outlook.
Positive Factors
Diversification Strategy
The company continues to diversify its semiconductor revenue streams, and AI PCs, data center silicon, Automotive and IoT could contribute 40% of QCT revenues by 2030 versus 27% currently.
Growth Potential
IoT and Automotive have significant growth potential and were up 27% and 59% YoY in the most recent quarter.
Valuation and Growth
The Buy rating is supported by low valuation, trading at 12x P/E vs. historical average of 15-18x, and also by long term growth initiatives.
Negative Factors
Geopolitical Risks
The potential for indirect effects through softer consumer demand and the higher proportion of sales to China may be concerns if US-China tensions escalate further.
Smartphone Market
The handset market is mature, and there is no major growth catalyst envisioned.
Smartphone Revenue
Smartphones, that represent 73% of QCT revenues, have peaked in our view, with near term outlook more challenged.

Qualcomm (QCOM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Qualcomm Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionQualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) is a global leader in the development and commercialization of foundational technologies for the wireless industry. The company is known for its pioneering work in mobile communications and is a key player in the 5G technology space. Qualcomm's core products and services include mobile processors, modems, and other semiconductor components that are essential for smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices. The company also offers technology licensing and services that enable the global mobile ecosystem to innovate and expand.
How the Company Makes MoneyQualcomm makes money primarily through two business segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT) and Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL). The QCT segment generates revenue by designing and supplying integrated circuits and system software based on 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies for use in mobile devices, wireless networks, and consumer electronics. The company's QTL segment earns revenue by licensing its portfolio of patents and intellectual property to mobile device manufacturers, allowing them to build devices that comply with various wireless standards. Significant partnerships with major tech companies and OEMs, as well as its leadership in advancing 5G technology, contribute to Qualcomm's earnings. Additionally, the company's strategic investments in areas like automotive, IoT, and AI provide potential growth opportunities.

Qualcomm Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Analyzes income from different business units, highlighting which segments drive growth and profitability, and indicating strategic focus areas.
Chart InsightsQualcomm's Equipment and Services segment shows a robust recovery, with revenue nearing pre-2022 levels, driven by strong performance in automotive and IoT. However, the Licensing segment remains flat, reflecting challenges in handset demand and global trade uncertainties. The earnings call highlights strategic growth in non-handset areas, including a focus on AI and automotive, which could offset licensing stagnation. Qualcomm's commitment to returning 100% of free cash flow to shareholders underscores confidence in its diversified growth strategy despite licensing hurdles.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Qualcomm Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 10.00%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Qualcomm's earnings call reflected strong financial performance and strategic advancements, particularly in automotive and IoT sectors, despite facing uncertainties in the global trade environment and challenges in licensing revenue growth.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue and EPS Growth
Qualcomm reported non-GAAP revenues of $10.8 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $2.85, both exceeding guidance midpoint. This marks 17% revenue growth and 21% EPS growth year-over-year.
Automotive and IoT Revenue Surge
Automotive revenues increased by 59% and IoT revenues grew by 27% year-over-year, driven by demand for connectivity, processing, and AI technologies.
Expansion in Mobile AI
Qualcomm announced the X85 5G platform, an advanced AI-powered modem system. This platform will exclusively ship in Android devices, marking significant traction in the mobile AI space.
Significant Automotive Design Wins
Qualcomm secured 30 new automotive design wins, including five ADAS programs, indicating strong market penetration and future growth potential.
Increased Capital Return to Shareholders
Qualcomm increased its capital return target to 100% of free cash flow in fiscal 2025, reflecting confidence in its financial targets and strong cash flow generation.
Negative Updates
Flat Licensing Revenue
Licensing business revenues were flat at $1.3 billion, with no significant growth year-over-year, and were slightly below the guidance midpoint.
Tariff and Trade Environment Uncertainty
Qualcomm noted the dynamic nature of the global trade landscape, including tariffs, which could impact demand and financial results unpredictably.
Lower Handset Units in Emerging Regions
QTL revenues were slightly below the midpoint of guidance due to lower handset units in emerging regions, affecting overall segment performance.
Company Guidance
In the Qualcomm Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company reported non-GAAP revenues of $10.8 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share of $2.85, surpassing the midpoint of their guidance. The chipset business achieved revenues of $9.5 billion, with significant growth in Automotive and IoT, which saw year-over-year increases of 59% and 27%, respectively. Licensing business revenues were $1.3 billion. Qualcomm aims to grow its non-handset revenues to $22 billion by fiscal 2029 and highlighted the potential of generative AI models in expanding their market capabilities. The company announced its X85 5G platform, supporting ultrafast peak download speeds of up to 12.5 Gbps and anticipated to ship in the second half of the year. Additionally, Qualcomm aims to achieve $4 billion in PC revenues and $2 billion in XR revenues by fiscal 2029, with a strong focus on automotive growth, targeting $8 billion by the same fiscal year. For the upcoming quarter, Qualcomm forecasts revenues between $9.9 billion and $10.7 billion, with a targeted non-GAAP EPS of $2.60 to $2.80. The company plans to return 100% of fiscal 2025 free cash flow to stockholders, underlining its confidence in cash flow generation and long-term financial strategies.

Qualcomm Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Qualcomm exhibits robust financial health characterized by strong profitability, efficient cash flow management, and a balanced capital structure. The company shows consistent revenue growth and profitability, with efficient leverage and a strong equity base.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Qualcomm demonstrates strong profitability with a gross profit margin of 55.7% and a net profit margin of 26.1% for TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). The company shows a robust revenue growth rate of 8.5% from the previous year. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy at 27.3% and 31.4%, respectively, indicating efficient operational management. The income statement reflects solid financial performance, driven by consistent revenue growth and strong profitability metrics.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Qualcomm's balance sheet is stable with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, reflecting moderate leverage. The return on equity (ROE) for TTM is 39.8%, indicating effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio stands at 50.1%, suggesting a balanced asset financing structure. Despite moderate debt levels, the company's strong equity position and high ROE underscore its financial health.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
The cash flow analysis reveals a positive trajectory with a free cash flow growth rate of 4.9%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.16, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.06, indicating strong cash generation relative to earnings. Qualcomm's ability to generate cash efficiently supports its financial stability and growth prospects.
BreakdownTTMSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue42.28B38.96B35.82B44.20B33.57B23.53B
Gross Profit23.55B21.90B19.95B25.57B19.30B14.28B
EBITDA13.28B12.74B10.46B16.56B11.37B7.62B
Net Income11.04B10.14B7.23B12.94B9.04B5.20B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets55.37B55.15B51.04B49.01B41.24B35.59B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments13.85B13.30B11.32B6.38B12.41B11.21B
Total Debt14.62B14.63B15.40B15.48B15.74B15.73B
Total Liabilities27.64B28.88B29.46B31.00B31.29B29.52B
Stockholders Equity27.73B26.27B21.58B18.01B9.95B6.08B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow11.71B11.16B9.85B6.83B8.65B4.41B
Operating Cash Flow12.84B12.20B11.30B9.10B10.54B5.81B
Investing Cash Flow-3.39B-3.62B762.00M-5.80B-3.36B-5.26B
Financing Cash Flow-11.44B-9.27B-6.66B-7.20B-6.80B-5.71B

Qualcomm Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price162.32
Price Trends
50DMA
149.80
Positive
100DMA
151.54
Positive
200DMA
157.05
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.86
Negative
RSI
66.95
Neutral
STOCH
87.17
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For QCOM, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 162.32 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 155.56, above the 50-day MA of 149.80, and above the 200-day MA of 157.05, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.86 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 66.95 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 87.17 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for QCOM.

Qualcomm Risk Analysis

Qualcomm disclosed 24 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Qualcomm reported the most risks in the "Tech & Innovation" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Qualcomm Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (50)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$178.23B16.5342.21%2.19%16.15%32.28%
ADADI
81
Outperform
$119.42B65.515.21%1.62%-6.17%-14.16%
AMAMD
80
Outperform
$224.60B101.543.90%21.71%99.00%
TXTXN
77
Outperform
$195.86B40.8529.04%2.52%-4.48%-17.82%
75
Outperform
$58.40B24.9226.02%1.75%-7.21%-15.29%
50
Neutral
AU$1.48B1.28-28.24%3.26%16.24%-7.89%
47
Neutral
$95.44B-18.66%2.29%-3.97%-562.40%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
QCOM
Qualcomm
162.32
-39.00
-19.37%
AMD
Advanced Micro Devices
138.52
-33.38
-19.42%
ADI
Analog Devices
245.15
18.16
8.00%
INTC
Intel
21.88
-9.94
-31.24%
NXPI
NXP Semiconductors
231.15
-37.37
-13.92%
TXN
Texas Instruments
215.59
22.47
11.64%

Qualcomm Corporate Events

M&A Transactions
Qualcomm Announces Acquisition of Alphawave IP Group
Positive
Jun 9, 2025

On June 9, 2025, Qualcomm announced an agreement to acquire Alphawave IP Group plc through its subsidiary Aqua Acquisition Sub LLC. The acquisition offers Alphawave shareholders a choice between a cash offer or shares in Qualcomm, potentially impacting Qualcomm’s market position by expanding its technological capabilities and shareholder base.

The most recent analyst rating on (QCOM) stock is a Hold with a $170.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Qualcomm stock, see the QCOM Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Qualcomm Issues $1.5 Billion in Senior Notes
Neutral
May 22, 2025

On May 21, 2025, Qualcomm Incorporated executed an Officers’ Certificate for the sale of $1.5 billion in senior unsecured notes, with varying maturity dates and interest rates, as part of its financial strategy to manage debt and capital. The company also entered into an underwriting agreement on May 19, 2025, with major financial institutions to facilitate this public offering, reflecting its ongoing efforts to leverage capital markets for operational and strategic growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (QCOM) stock is a Hold with a $170.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Qualcomm stock, see the QCOM Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Qualcomm Appoints Christopher Young to Board of Directors
Neutral
May 13, 2025

On May 12, 2025, Qualcomm‘s Board of Directors elected Christopher D. Young, a former executive from Microsoft, to join the Board. Young will serve until the next annual stockholders’ meeting and will be part of the HR and Compensation Committee. His appointment involves no special arrangements or transactions with the company, and he will receive compensation under Qualcomm’s 2025 Director Compensation Plan, including 1,748 deferred stock units for his service.

The most recent analyst rating on (QCOM) stock is a Hold with a $170.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Qualcomm stock, see the QCOM Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 24, 2025