Qualcomm Incorporated logo

Qualcomm Incorporated(QCOM)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
4-STAR RATING
SELL
SELL for 4 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
-3.56% ▼
LAST CLOSE
$172.62
10/14/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for QCOM

10/14/2026: QCOM (4-star) is a SELL. SELL for 4 days. Simulated Profits (-3.56%). Updated daily EoD!

Qualcomm Incorporated is a major designer of wireless telecommunications technology and system-on-chip semiconductors, operating through its licensing and product segments. The company has a leading position in mobile connectivity and holds a vast intellectual property portfolio that supports strong profit margins. Its primary growth narrative involves expanding the Snapdragon brand into automotive digital platforms and AI-enabled PCs, effectively diversifying beyond the volatile smartphone sector. Investors should monitor risks related to customer concentration, shifting foundry costs, and geopolitical tensions in major markets. The stock may suit growth-oriented investors looking for exposure to mobile and edge computing, while also providing value through reliable dividend payouts.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorStrong fitQualcomm's push into AI and automotive sectors offers long-term growth potential beyond smartphones.
Momentum investorMixed fitThe stock often follows broad semiconductor and tech market trends, making it fit for momentum moves during industry upcycles.
Value investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveThe stock often trades at a reasonable P/E multiple relative to its high-margin licensing business and stable cash flows.
Dividend investorStrong fitQualcomm provides a reliable and historically growing dividend yield supported by strong free cash flow.
Low-risk investorMixed fitWhile the dividend adds stability, the company's concentration in volatile electronics markets can lead to price swings.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highThe stock reacts sharply to fluctuations in smartphone demand and semiconductor sector sentiment.
Valuation riskMediumThe market occasionally reprices the stock based on the perceived future growth of its non-mobile segments.
Competition risk (AI and mobile competition)HighIntense competition from rivals and the move by customers toward custom silicon threatens core product margins.
Business qualityStrongQualcomm possesses a deep intellectual property moat that creates significant barriers to entry for competitors.
Dividend incomeMedium / highThe company has a solid record of dividend payments, though cash flow is dependent on licensing revenue sustainability.
Execution riskMediumSuccess depends on the effective deployment of AI and automotive strategies in a rapidly evolving hardware environment.

Price Behavior

Strong Uptrend
PRICE PATH

Strong Uptrend

The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.

Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Choppy

The stock has experienced frequent reversals and pronounced short-term price swings.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 67.44%
Avg. Invested days 45
Today’s Advisory SELL
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 3.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/14/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
QCOM receives a 4-star rating, supported by strong unit economics, solid company fundamentals, and solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
QCOM has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with solid financial health, moderate growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, strong cash generation (FCF margin 28.9%) and solid revenue growth (+13.7%) are partially offset by negative earnings growth (-45.4%), very low insider ownership of 0.12%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
QCOM's financial health is supported by strong cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation of $12.8B (28.9% of revenue). Operating efficiency is solid (4 stars), which helps explain the 4-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is QCOM's strongest growth driver at +14.9% FY2025 versus FY2024 (solid, 4 stars). By comparison, revenue growth (+13.7%, solid) is also solid, while earnings growth (-45.4%, negative) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 83.1% and approximately 98.2% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership is only 0.12%, which materially reduces the ownership score.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 8.91%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 6.45%
State Street Corp 4.94%
Amvescap Plc. 3.38%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 3.17%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
QCOM generates approximately $554 of gross profit, $279 of operating income, and $289 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Strong margins and strong cash conversion support the rating, although capital efficiency remains solid.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 56.24%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
QCOM has a high-quality, large-cap, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while valuation that is moderately attractive rather than deeply discounted.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Quality TiltHigh VolatilityLarge / Mega Cap StabilityHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 184.33B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 19.98
1Y Target Price 194.13
Price to earnings Ratio 19.98
1Y Target Price 194.13
Volume (30-day avg) 13.1M shares
Beta 1.65
52 Weeks Range 120.88 - 257.56
Updated Date 10/14/2026
52 Weeks Range 120.88 - 257.56
Updated Date 10/14/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 2.03%
Basic EPS (TTM) 8.64

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
QCT (Semiconductor Products)Snapdragon processors, 5G modems, and automotive connectivity chips.This is the 'physical' side of the business selling chips to phone and car makers.
QTL (Licensing)Royalties for 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular communication standards.This is a high-margin business that generates cash simply by owning essential wireless technology patents.
Geographic ExposureGlobal revenue with significant concentration in China and other Asian markets.International geopolitical tensions can directly impact a large portion of the company's revenue.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

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Valuation

Trailing PE 19.98
Forward PE 19.65
Enterprise Value 217.63B
Price to Sales(TTM) 4.18
Enterprise Value 217.63B
Price to Sales(TTM) 4.18
Enterprise Value to Revenue 4.94
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 16.15
Shares Outstanding 1.07B
Shares Floating 1.05B
Shares Outstanding 1.07B
Shares Floating 1.05B
Percent Insiders 0.12
Percent Institutions 83.14

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.