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5.0
Qualcomm Incorporated operates in the technology sector, specifically within the semiconductor and wireless communications subsector. The company was founded by Irwin Jacobs, Andrew Viterbi, Harvey White, Franklin Antonio, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Adelia Coffman.
The organization did not involve direct government participation at its inception. Its founders identified an opportunity in the development of advanced communication technologies and established the company as a private initiative focused on innovation in telecommunications.
Qualcomm’s principal products and services include integrated circuits (chipsets), mobile connectivity software (3G, 4G and 5G), Snapdragon processors, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, automotive technologies (such as digital cockpit systems, connectivity and ADAS), and intellectual property licensing related to its extensive wireless communications patent portfolio. The company also invests in early-stage businesses through its strategic initiatives division, focusing on 5G, artificial intelligence, extended reality, cloud computing and IoT.
The company operates globally. Headquartered in San Diego, United States, Qualcomm supplies components and technologies to mobile device manufacturers, automotive companies, technology firms and telecommunications operators across numerous countries.
Market factors that influence its operations include increasing global demand for 5G solutions, strong competition within the semiconductor industry, the relevance of patent licensing revenue and the ongoing need for substantial research and development investment to maintain technological leadership.
The company employs approximately 49,000 people. Its customer base is broad and diversified, covering smartphone manufacturers, automakers, technology companies and global telecom operators.
Its operational structure is divided into three main segments:
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QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies) – responsible for chip manufacturing and software development.
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QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing) – responsible for patent licensing.
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QSI (Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives) – focused on strategic investments in emerging technologies.
Qualcomm is listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker QCOM.
History and Foundation
Qualcomm was founded in 1985 in San Diego, California. In its early years, the company faced the challenge of developing CDMA technology, which required extensive research and efforts to convince telecom operators of its potential for mobile network evolution.
An important milestone in the company’s early history was the development of the OmniTRACS system in the late 1980s. The platform provided satellite-based communication for the transportation industry, enabling fleet tracking and message exchange between companies and drivers.
During the 1990s, CDMA technology gained recognition and became a global telecommunications standard. From this period onward, Qualcomm structured its chipset, licensing and software divisions, consolidating its presence in the global market.
The company completed its initial public offering (IPO) on December 13, 1991, becoming publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker QCOM.
In the second half of the 1990s, Qualcomm expanded the commercial production of CDMA chipsets and reached global scale, reinforcing its position as a leading player in mobile technology.
Between 2020 and 2024, Qualcomm strengthened its business diversification by expanding partnerships in the automotive sector, launching new Snapdragon platforms focused on 5G and artificial intelligence and enhancing its technology investments through the QSI division. The company also faced regulatory challenges, including antitrust disputes, and advanced its efforts to adapt its business model to reduce dependence on licensing revenue.
Additional Information
The Company Qualcomm Incorporated (United States), is listed on Nasdaq with a market cap of $ 176.04 Billions, having an equity of $ 21.21 Billions.
With a total of 41.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Technology and categorized in industry of Communications Equipment.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 44.28 Billions, which generated a loss in the amount of $ 5.54 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 31.77, a P/BV ratio of 8.30 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of QCOM was at 2.13%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker QCOM.
