Core Insights - Qualcomm is facing an antitrust investigation in China due to its failure to notify regulators about the acquisition of Autotalks, which has intensified the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions [1][2][3] - The company's stock has dropped 13.7% over the past year, significantly underperforming its industry peers amid rising trade tensions and high R&D costs [4][7] Trade Relations and Market Impact - The U.S.-China trade conflict has adversely affected Qualcomm, which has a substantial presence in China, supplying chips to major local smartphone manufacturers [5][8] - The U.S. has imposed trade restrictions that limit Qualcomm's ability to operate in China, further complicating its market position [8] Financial Performance - Qualcomm's margins have been pressured by high operating expenses and R&D costs, with expectations of continued softness in the handset market [9][16] - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have increased by 8.8% to $11.89, while estimates for fiscal 2026 have decreased by 2.4% to $11.88, indicating mixed investor sentiment [14][15] Product and Market Strategy - Despite challenges, Qualcomm is leveraging its Snapdragon portfolio and expanding into AI capabilities for laptops and desktops, aiming to diversify its revenue streams [10][11] - The acquisition of Veoneer, Inc. enhances Qualcomm's position in the automotive sector, particularly in driver-assistance technology [12] Competitive Landscape - Qualcomm faces stiff competition from rivals like Broadcom and Hewlett Packard, as well as pressure from low-cost chip manufacturers [9][16] - The company is navigating a tough operating environment in China, raising concerns about its long-term viability in the region [16]