Core Business Outlook - Qualcomm reported a 5% year-over-year revenue increase for Q1 fiscal 2026, exceeding expectations, but anticipates a revenue decline in Q2 due to memory chip shortages [1][2] - The smartphone industry is expected to face constraints in availability and pricing of memory chips, particularly DRAM, leading to a projected 1% decline in smartphone unit shipments in 2026 [2][6] Memory Chip Market Dynamics - A significant shortage of DRAM chips is affecting various markets, including smartphones and PCs, as manufacturers shift capacity to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI applications [4][5] - Qualcomm's CEO indicated that the memory shortage has caused smartphone OEMs, especially in China, to reduce chipset inventories, resulting in lower sales for Qualcomm [6][7] Premium Segment Resilience - Despite an overall decline in smartphone shipments, the premium segment is expected to remain resilient, with OEMs likely prioritizing high-end devices [8][10] - IDC forecasts that the total value of smartphone shipments will reach a record high of $579 billion, suggesting that a shift towards higher-end chips could mitigate some impacts of the memory shortage for Qualcomm [10] Long-term Investment Perspective - Qualcomm's stock may face pressure in the short term due to the memory market instability, but a recovery in the smartphone market is anticipated once the memory situation stabilizes [12] - Current analyst estimates suggest Qualcomm stock trades at approximately 12 times forward earnings, which may become more attractive for long-term investors despite potential downward revisions [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was approximately $109 million, reflecting a 13% sequential increase and an 18% year-over-year growth from $92 million in Q2 2024 [5][15] - Non-GAAP gross margin was reported at 59.1%, while GAAP gross margin was approximately 56% [15] - Operating expenses were reduced significantly, with GAAP operating expenses at $86.1 million and non-GAAP operating expenses at $56.6 million [15][16] - The company returned to profitability on a non-GAAP basis and generated positive free cash flow [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure revenue for Q2 was approximately $35 million, broadband revenue was about $48 million, connectivity revenue was around $21 million, and industrial multimarket revenue was approximately $6 million [15] - The company anticipates revenue from high-speed data center optical interconnects to be between $60 million and $70 million for the year, primarily driven by the 800 gigabit PAM4 DSP product family [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong customer traction in high-speed data center optical interconnects, PON broadband access, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet markets [6][10] - Increased carrier CapEx spending is expected to drive demand in wireless infrastructure for 2025 and 2026 [8][9] - Major North American carriers are ramping up their FiberPON access build-outs, leading to increased demand for fiber PON, cable DOCSIS, and Wi-Fi solutions [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-value categories such as high-speed interconnects, multi-gigabit PON access, Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet storage accelerators, and wireless infrastructure [12][13] - Investments in strategic high-growth areas are expected to generate exciting business opportunities and accelerate revenues in 2026 [18] - The company aims to establish itself as a strategic partner for hyperscale data centers beyond just interconnect solutions [95] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory for 2025 and 2026, citing robust customer order rates and backlog [6][12] - The company is optimistic about the recovery in core markets and anticipates sustained growth in various segments [18] - Management highlighted the importance of cost reduction investments to maintain and improve gross margins moving forward [40] Other Important Information - The company expects Q3 2025 revenue to be between $115 million and $135 million, with all end markets projected to grow sequentially [17] - GAAP operating expenses for Q3 are expected to be in the range of $84 million to $90 million, while non-GAAP operating expenses are projected to be between $55 million and $61 million [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Q3 outlook and segment performance - Management indicated that infrastructure is expected to perform well, with broadband and connectivity also showing recovery [20][21] Question: Broadband growth drivers - Management noted that the growth in broadband is driven by CapEx deployment and market share gains, rather than just inventory replenishment [22][23] Question: Design wins for Rushmore and Keystone - Management confirmed strong design wins with major module makers and emphasized the importance of Keystone in driving revenue growth [28][29] Question: Operating expenses and investments - Management clarified that operating expenses were below guidance midpoint and highlighted ongoing investments in new products [36][39] Question: Dynamics in China - Management discussed mixed market dynamics in China, with strong demand in data centers but challenges in the industrial multimarket segment [65][68] Question: Technology roadmap for silicon photonics - Management confirmed engagement with optics companies to develop CPO solutions, emphasizing the importance of low power and high-speed offerings [72][74]