Qualcomm NASDAQ: QCOM is positioning its newly announced High Bandwidth Compute, or HPC, technology as a way to address memory-bandwidth constraints in artificial intelligence data centers, while also expanding its server CPU, custom silicon and software efforts.
QCOM is expanding its edge AI footprint with Arduino VENTUNO Q, bringing real-time AI computing to robotics, automation and smart cities.
Qualcomm is upgraded back to Buy as its previous euphoria surge has normalized at 17x forward earnings after a sharp correction. QCOM faces near-term headwinds from Chinese smartphone weakness, component cost inflation, and Apple's modem transition, but management's de-risking is credible. Handset revenue cycles appear near a bottom, while medium-term upside is anchored in AI data center and ADAS growth opportunities.
QUALCOMM remains a Buy as diversification and AI infrastructure initiatives are set to drive future growth. QCOM's non-handset revenue is guided to accelerate from 24% to over 60% in FY2027, offsetting Apple-related declines. AI data center catalysts, including HBC Gen 1 and Dragonfly C1000 CPU, are not fully priced into QCOM's current 15–16x forward earnings multiple.
Qualcomm's Q3 revenue beat was offset by an earnings miss as record auto growth contrasted with handset weakness and continued margin pressure.
QCOM's diversification gains momentum, but Apple exposure, handset weakness and margin pressure keep the buy case from turning decisive.
Qualcomm's 30.6% slide reflects handset weakness and margin pressure, even as automotive growth and data center targets broaden its revenue mix.
QCOM is expanding its smartphone reach with Snapdragon platforms, AI capabilities and power-efficient chips for next-generation devices.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM | QCOM Price Prediction) has spent most of 2026 fighting a narrative that its handset business is a slow leak.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM | QCOM Price Prediction) shares have seemingly been watching the semiconductor ascent from the sidelines in these past few years, gaining just over 9% in the past five years.
QUALCOMM is rated a Buy after a 45% pullback, offering an attractive risk-reward profile despite near-term headwinds. QCOM's Handsets segment declined 20% YoY, but Automotive (+61% YoY) and IoT (+9% YoY) are driving non-handset growth. Management targets accelerated non-handset revenue growth, with ambitious expansion into data centers, AI, and automotive markets.
Qualcomm faces falling fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates as handset weakness, margin pressure and competition offset automotive and IoT gains.