The San Diego, California-based Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) has entered 2026 as a diversified artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor player and not just a handset company. It develops and commercializes wireless technologies such as 3G/4G/5G connectivity, high-performance low-power computing, and on-device AI. Commanding a market cap of approximately $163.5 billion, it supplies semiconductors and software for mobile devices, automotive systems, Internet of Things (IoT), consumer electronics, industr ...

Core Insights - Qualcomm reported fiscal fourth-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, with revenue increasing by 10% to $11.27 billion compared to $10.24 billion a year earlier, although the company recorded a net loss of $3.12 billion due to an income tax expense [1][5] - For the fiscal first quarter, Qualcomm anticipates revenue between $11.8 billion and $12.6 billion, surpassing the average analyst estimate of $11.62 billion, with adjusted EPS projected between $3.30 and $3.50 [2] Financial Performance - The company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $3.00, which was higher than the expected $2.88, and revenue of $11.27 billion, exceeding the forecast of $10.79 billion [5] - The net loss for the fourth quarter was $3.12 billion, or $2.89 per share, compared to a net income of $2.92 billion, or $2.59 per share, in the previous year [1] Market Position and Strategy - Qualcomm is facing the potential loss of Apple as a customer for its modem business and is diversifying its product offerings to include chips for Windows PCs, virtual-reality headsets, and smart glasses [3] - The company is focusing on opportunities in artificial intelligence, where it aims to compete against Nvidia and AMD, which currently dominate the processor market [3] Product Development - Qualcomm announced plans to release new AI accelerator chips, the AI200 and AI250, which are expected to be available in 2026 and 2027, respectively, and can be integrated into liquid-cooled server racks [4] - The new AI chips are designed to compete with Nvidia and AMD's offerings, which allow multiple GPUs to function as a single computer, catering to the needs of AI labs [4] Stock Performance - Qualcomm's shares have increased by 17% year-to-date, lagging behind the Nasdaq's 22% gain, while Nvidia and AMD have seen significant increases of 45% and 112%, respectively [5]