QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) Information


A Brief History of Qualcomm Incorporated

Qualcomm Incorporated, founded in 1985, has established itself as a leader in wireless technology and telecommunications. As of fiscal year 2024, Qualcomm reported significant financial performance and strategic growth milestones.

Financial Performance Overview

In fiscal 2024, Qualcomm achieved revenues of $39.0 billion, representing a 9% increase from $35.8 billion in fiscal 2023. This growth was driven primarily by the QCT segment, which focuses on equipment and services, contributing $32.8 billion to total revenues.

Segment Performance

Qualcomm's revenue breakdown by segment is as follows:

Segment Fiscal 2024 Revenue (in millions) Fiscal 2023 Revenue (in millions) Change (in millions)
QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies) $32,791 $30,028 $2,763
QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing) $6,171 $5,792 $379
QSI (Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives) $18 $28 $(10)

Net Income and Margins

Qualcomm's net income for fiscal 2024 was $10.1 billion, reflecting a 40% increase from $7.2 billion in fiscal 2023. The gross margin remained stable at 56% for both fiscal years.

Research and Development Expenditure

Investment in research and development (R&D) is critical for Qualcomm's innovation strategy. In fiscal 2024, R&D expenditures totaled $8.9 billion, up from $8.8 billion in fiscal 2023. This accounted for 23% of total revenues, a slight decrease from 25% in the prior year.

Stock Performance and Dividends

Qualcomm has been active in returning capital to shareholders through stock repurchase and dividend programs. In fiscal 2024, the company repurchased shares totaling $4.1 billion and paid cash dividends of $3.7 billion.

Year Stock Repurchases (in millions) Dividends Paid (in millions) Total Capital Returned (in millions)
2024 $4,121 $3,687 $7,808
2023 $2,973 $3,462 $6,435

Debt and Liquidity

As of September 29, 2024, Qualcomm reported total debt of $14.6 billion, with a decrease from $15.4 billion in 2023. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents of $7.8 billion and marketable securities worth $5.5 billion.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Qualcomm aims to leverage its leadership in 5G technology, anticipating continued demand across various sectors, including automotive and IoT. The company is focused on maintaining its competitive edge through ongoing innovations and strategic partnerships.



A Who Owns QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) has a diverse shareholder base comprising institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. The following table summarizes the major shareholders of QUALCOMM as of September 29, 2024:

Shareholder Ownership Percentage Shares Owned (in millions)
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 8.22% 91.3
BlackRock, Inc. 7.44% 82.7
State Street Corporation 4.50% 50.1
FMR LLC (Fidelity) 4.15% 46.0
Invesco Ltd. 2.98% 33.2
Other Institutional Investors 22.00% 245.0
Individual Shareholders 46.71% 517.0

Insider Ownership

Insider ownership is another important aspect of QUALCOMM's ownership structure. As of September 29, 2024, the following table represents the key insiders and their ownership details:

Insider Name Position Shares Owned (in millions)
Cristiano Amon President and CEO 1.5
Mark D. McLaughlin Chairman 0.8
Akash Palkhiwala Chief Financial Officer 0.5
Other Executives Various 3.2

Stock Performance and Market Capitalization

As of the end of fiscal year 2024, QUALCOMM's market capitalization was approximately $150 billion, reflecting a stock price of around $134 per share. The stock performance over the fiscal year showed a significant increase, driven by robust demand for its semiconductor products and licensing revenues.

Stock Repurchase Programs

QUALCOMM has actively engaged in stock repurchase programs to enhance shareholder value. In fiscal 2024, the company repurchased shares totaling $4.1 billion, with an average price per share of $161.37. The remaining authorized repurchase amount under the existing program is $1.0 billion as of September 29, 2024.

Fiscal Year Shares Repurchased (in millions) Amount Spent (in billions) Average Price per Share
2024 25 $4.121 $161.37
2023 25 $2.973 $117.93

Dividends

QUALCOMM has maintained a consistent dividend policy. For fiscal 2024, the cash dividend announced was $0.85 per share, payable on December 19, 2024. This represents an increase from the previous year's dividend of $3.30 per share.

Fiscal Year Dividend per Share Total Dividend Paid (in billions)
2024 $3.30 $3.687
2023 $3.10 $3.462

Summary of Financial Performance

In fiscal 2024, QUALCOMM reported revenues of $39.0 billion, a 9% increase from the previous year. The net income for the year was $10.1 billion, marking a 40% increase compared to the prior year, driven by strong performance in both its semiconductor and licensing segments.

Financial Metric 2024 (in billions) 2023 (in billions)
Revenues $39.0 $35.8
Net Income $10.1 $7.2


QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) Mission Statement

Overview of Mission Statement

QUALCOMM Incorporated's mission is to enable a world where everyone can connect seamlessly through innovative technologies. The company is committed to driving advancements in mobile technology, fostering connectivity and empowering the next generation of wireless devices.

Key Components of the Mission Statement

  • Innovation: Focused on developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance communication.
  • Connectivity: Aims to provide seamless connectivity solutions globally.
  • Empowerment: Strives to empower users and industries through advanced technology.

Financial Performance Indicators

As of the fiscal year ending September 29, 2024, QUALCOMM reported the following financial metrics:

Financial Metric 2024 2023 2022
Total Revenues (in millions) $38,962 $35,820 $44,200
Net Income (in millions) $10,142 $7,232 $12,936
Basic Earnings Per Share $9.09 $6.47 $11.52
Operating Income (in millions) $10,071 $7,788 $15,860
Research and Development Expenses (in millions) $8,893 $8,818 $8,194
Dividends Paid (per share) $0.85 $0.70 $0.65

Market Share and Revenue Sources

QUALCOMM's revenue distribution for the fiscal year 2024 was as follows:

Region Percentage of Total Revenues
China (including Hong Kong) 66%
United States 3%
South Korea 7%
Vietnam 12%

Stock Performance

As of March 22, 2024, the aggregate market value of QUALCOMM's common equity held by non-affiliates was $190 billion, based on the closing price of its common stock on that date.

Investment and Future Outlook

QUALCOMM has a strategic focus on the following areas:

  • 5G technology expansion
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration
  • Automotive technology advancements
  • Internet of Things (IoT) solutions
  • Cloud computing initiatives

In fiscal 2024, QUALCOMM's QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies) segment saw a revenue increase of 9%, primarily driven by higher revenues from handsets and automotive sectors.



How QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) Works

Company Overview

QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) operates primarily through two segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT) and Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL). The QCT segment focuses on developing and supplying integrated circuits and system software for mobile devices, automotive systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The QTL segment is responsible for granting licenses to use portions of Qualcomm's extensive intellectual property portfolio, including patents essential for various wireless products.

Financial Performance (Fiscal Year 2024)

For the fiscal year ended September 29, 2024, QUALCOMM reported the following financial highlights:

Metric 2024 2023 Change
Revenues (in millions) $39,000 $35,800 +9%
Net Income (in millions) $10,142 $7,232 +40%
Gross Margin 56% 56% No Change
Basic EPS $9.09 $6.47 +40%
Diluted EPS $8.97 $6.42 +40%

Segment Performance

QCT Segment

The QCT segment generated equipment and services revenues of $32,791 million, an increase from $30,028 million in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by:

  • $2.7 billion increase in handsets revenue.
  • Higher automotive revenues, amounting to $2,910 million, up from $1,872 million in 2023.
  • IoT revenues decreased to $5,423 million from $5,940 million.

QTL Segment

The QTL segment achieved licensing revenues of $6,171 million, compared to $5,792 million in the previous year. Key changes include:

  • Increase in estimated sales of 3G/4G/5G multimode products contributing $402 million.
  • Decrease in estimated revenues per unit by $90 million.

Costs and Expenses

In fiscal 2024, QUALCOMM's costs and expenses were as follows:

Type of Expense 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Change (in millions)
Cost of Revenues $17,060 $15,869 $1,191
Research and Development $8,893 $8,818 $75
Selling, General and Administrative $2,759 $2,483 $276
Other Expenses $179 $862 $(683)

Cash Flow Overview

Cash flow from operating activities was $12,202 million in 2024, compared to $11,299 million in 2023. Key components include:

  • Net income from continuing operations: $10,110 million
  • Depreciation and amortization expense: $1,706 million
  • Share-based compensation expense: $2,648 million

Market Presence and Geographic Revenue Distribution

QUALCOMM's revenues by geographic region for fiscal 2024 are as follows:

Region Revenue (in millions) Percentage of Total Revenue
China (including Hong Kong) $17,826 46%
United States $9,686 25%
South Korea $7,995 20%
Other Foreign $3,455 9%

Debt and Equity

As of September 29, 2024, QUALCOMM's long-term debt was $14,634 million. The breakdown of debt maturities is as follows:

Maturity Year Amount (in millions)
2025 $1,364
2027 $2,000
2028 $1,000
After 2029 $10,270

Stockholder Equity and Dividends

As of September 29, 2024, total stockholders’ equity was $26,274 million. QUALCOMM announced a cash dividend of $0.85 per share on October 16, 2024, payable on December 19, 2024.



How QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

QUALCOMM Incorporated generates revenue primarily through two business segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT) and Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL). As of fiscal year 2024, total revenues were reported at $39.0 billion, a 9% increase from $35.8 billion in fiscal 2023.

Segment Revenue (in millions) Change from 2023 (in millions)
QCT (Equipment and Services) $32,791 $2,763
QTL (Licensing) $6,171 $379
Total Revenues $38,962 $3,142

QCT Segment Overview

The QCT segment is responsible for the design and supply of integrated circuits and system software. As of 2024, the breakdown of QCT revenues is as follows:

Revenue Source Revenue (in millions) Change from 2023 (in millions)
Handsets $24,863 $2,293
Automotive $2,910 $1,038
Internet of Things (IoT) $5,423 $(517)
Total QCT Revenues $33,196 $2,814

QTL Segment Overview

The QTL segment contributes significantly to QUALCOMM's profitability through licensing agreements for its extensive patent portfolio. In 2024, QTL revenues reached:

Revenue Source Revenue (in millions) Change from 2023 (in millions)
Licensing Revenues $5,572 $266

QTL's earnings before tax (EBT) for fiscal 2024 was $4,027 million, representing a margin of 72%.

Cost Structure

QUALCOMM's cost of revenues for fiscal 2024 amounted to $17,060 million, maintaining a gross margin of 56%.

Cost Category Amount (in millions)
Cost of Revenues $17,060
Research and Development $8,893
Selling, General and Administrative $2,759
Other Expenses $179
Total Costs and Expenses $28,891

Investment and Other Income

QUALCOMM also earns income from investments and other non-operating activities. In fiscal 2024, investment and other income was reported at $962 million, an increase of $613 million from the previous year.

Geographic Revenue Distribution

In fiscal 2024, QUALCOMM's revenues were geographically distributed as follows:

Region Revenue (in millions) Percentage of Total Revenue
China (including Hong Kong) $17,826 46%
United States $9,686 25%
South Korea $7,995 20%
Other foreign $3,455 9%
Total $38,962 100%

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

QUALCOMM reported a net income of $10,142 million for fiscal 2024, resulting in a basic earnings per share of $9.09.

Metric Value
Net Income (in millions) $10,142
Basic Earnings Per Share $9.09
Diluted Earnings Per Share $8.97

Conclusion

QUALCOMM's diversified revenue streams, strong licensing agreements, and effective cost management strategies position the company for continued growth in the competitive semiconductor and telecommunications market.

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Resources:

  1. QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q4 2024 to get an in-depth view of QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.