QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

Over the past six months, QUALCOMM's stock has experienced fluctuations. As of January 12, 2026, the share price was $169.28, representing a 7.73% increase over the past year. In October 2025, Qualcomm shares reached $195.80, marking a 15-month high. By early January 2026, the stock hit a 10-week high of $183.52, though it also saw a 4-week low of $172.05 around December 2025. Key events impacting the stock include strong financial performance, strategic diversification into automotive and IoT, and growth in AI-driven PC markets. In June 2025, Qualcomm acquired Alphawave IP Group for $2.4 billion to expand into data center and AI infrastructure markets. In January 2026, reports indicated Qualcomm was in talks with Samsung for 2nm chip production. Potential headwinds for FY2026 include further revenue reduction from Apple and possible share loss on the Galaxy S26.

Qualcomm's revenue streams exhibit seasonality, particularly influenced by the smartphone market. Fiscal first quarter is typically a seasonally strong quarter for the QCT segment, driven by holiday season sales of mobile devices. Fiscal second quarter is a seasonally strong quarter for the QTL segment, as the company collects licensing fees based on the number of smartphones sold in the preceding fiscal Q1. QCT IoT revenues are also expected to see a sequential decline in Q1 fiscal 2026, consistent with prior year seasonality in consumer products. However, QCT Automotive revenues are estimated to remain flat to slightly up sequentially following a strong Q4.

QUALCOMM, Inc. is an American multinational corporation specializing in semiconductors, software, and services related to wireless technology. The company operates within the Information Technology sector, specifically in the Semiconductors and Telecommunications Equipment industries. Qualcomm's business is divided into three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI). The QCT segment develops and supplies integrated circuits and system software for various applications. The QTL segment is responsible for licensing Qualcomm's extensive intellectual property portfolio. The QSI segment focuses on investing in early-stage companies and expanding opportunities for Qualcomm's technologies.

Qualcomm's corporate headquarters is located in San Diego, California, serving as the central hub for its global operations and strategic management. The company has a worldwide presence, with numerous offices across the United States, including locations in Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Arizona. Internationally, Qualcomm also maintains offices in countries such as India, Singapore, and Japan.

Qualcomm maintains a strong brand reputation as a global leader in wireless technology innovation. The company is widely recognized for its pioneering work in developing CDMA technology and is at the forefront of 5G technology. Its mission centers on inventing breakthrough technologies that transform how the world connects and communicates. Within the past year, no specific major events that negatively impacted Qualcomm's brand reputation were prominently found.

Qualcomm is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, who hold approximately 75.09% of the company's stock. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Individual investors hold about 22.37% of the company, with insiders owning approximately 2.53%. Irwin M. Jacobs, a co-founder, is the largest individual Qualcomm shareholder.