Key Points
QUALCOMM expects $2.57 EPS and $10.59B revenue on April 29, 2026
Company beat estimates in 3 of last 4 quarters, suggesting upside potential
Watch QCT chip demand, 5G adoption, AI momentum, and licensing revenue trends
Stock trades at P/E 30.3 with overbought technicals; earnings quality matters most
QCOM will report earnings on April 29, 2026, after market close. Analysts expect QUALCOMM Incorporated to deliver earnings per share of $2.57 and revenue of $10.59 billion. The semiconductor giant trades at $150.26 with a market cap of $160.54 billion. Meyka AI rates QCOM with a grade of B+. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. These grades are not guaranteed and we are not financial advisors. Investors should watch how the company navigates chip demand and licensing revenue.
QUALCOMM Earnings Estimates and Expectations
Analysts project QUALCOMM will report $2.57 in earnings per share for the upcoming quarter. Revenue expectations stand at $10.59 billion. These estimates reflect expectations for the semiconductor and licensing segments. The company operates three main divisions: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI).
EPS Estimate Analysis
The $2.57 EPS estimate represents a significant decline from the most recent quarter. In February 2026, QUALCOMM beat expectations with $3.50 actual EPS versus $3.39 estimated. The current estimate suggests a 26% drop quarter-over-quarter. This decline may reflect seasonal patterns or softer chip demand in the current period.
Revenue Estimate Context
The $10.59 billion revenue estimate sits below recent quarters. February 2026 brought $12.25 billion in actual revenue, beating the $12.12 billion estimate. The April estimate suggests a 13% sequential decline. This pullback could indicate normal cyclicality in smartphone and infrastructure chip sales.
Analyst Consensus Breakdown
Analyst sentiment remains mixed. Nine analysts rate QCOM as a buy, while ten recommend hold. Only two analysts rate it as sell. The consensus rating is neutral, reflecting uncertainty about near-term growth. This split opinion suggests investors should focus on execution rather than broad enthusiasm.
Historical Earnings Performance and Beat/Miss Patterns
QUALCOMM has demonstrated a strong track record of beating analyst expectations in recent quarters. Understanding these patterns helps predict the April 29 outcome. The company’s earnings trajectory shows both strength and volatility across segments.
Recent Quarter Beat/Miss History
In the most recent quarter (February 2026), QUALCOMM beat EPS estimates by $0.11, delivering $3.50 versus $3.39 expected. Revenue also exceeded expectations by $130 million, posting $12.25 billion against $12.12 billion estimated. The previous quarter (July 2025) showed similar strength: $2.85 actual EPS beat $2.71 estimated by $0.14. Revenue came in at $10.98 billion versus $10.33 billion expected. This consistent outperformance suggests management executes well.
Earnings Trend Analysis
The earnings trend shows volatility but overall stability. EPS ranged from $2.77 to $3.50 over the last four quarters. Revenue fluctuated between $10.37 billion and $12.25 billion. The company appears to experience seasonal strength in certain quarters. Current estimates suggest a pullback, but historical patterns indicate QUALCOMM often surprises to the upside.
Beat Probability Assessment
Based on historical performance, QUALCOMM has beaten EPS in three of the last four quarters. The company beat revenue estimates in three of four quarters as well. This 75% beat rate suggests investors should watch for another positive surprise. However, the significant estimate decline warrants caution about absolute performance levels.
Key Metrics and What to Watch
Investors should monitor several critical metrics during the earnings call. QUALCOMM’s performance depends on chip demand, licensing revenue, and cash generation. These factors drive long-term shareholder value.
Segment Performance Breakdown
The QCT segment generates most revenue from smartphone and infrastructure chips. Watch for commentary on 5G adoption rates and AI chip demand. The QTL segment provides licensing revenue, which carries high margins. Management guidance on licensing growth matters significantly. QSI investments in emerging technologies could signal future growth areas.
Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
Operating cash flow per share stands at $13.45 annually. Free cash flow per share reaches $12.08. The company pays $3.56 in annual dividends. Watch for any changes to capital allocation strategy or dividend policy. Strong cash generation supports shareholder returns and R&D investment.
Margin Trends and Profitability
Gross profit margin sits at 55.1%, showing strong pricing power. Operating margin stands at 27.1%. Net profit margin reaches 11.96%. Listen for commentary on cost pressures, supply chain normalization, and competitive dynamics. Margin expansion or contraction signals operational health and competitive positioning.
Technical Setup and Stock Price Context
QUALCOMM stock trades near recent highs with mixed technical signals. The current price of $150.26 sits between key support and resistance levels. Technical indicators show overbought conditions, suggesting caution for new buyers.
Valuation Metrics
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 30.3, above historical averages. Price-to-sales ratio stands at 3.56. The price-to-book ratio reaches 6.97. These valuations reflect market expectations for continued growth. Earnings beats could justify current prices, while misses could trigger pullbacks.
Technical Indicators and Momentum
The RSI reads 74.38, indicating overbought conditions. MACD shows positive momentum with a histogram of 2.25. The ADX at 26.72 signals a strong trend. Stochastic indicators at 77.17 and 80.01 also suggest overbought territory. These signals suggest limited upside until consolidation occurs.
Price Targets and Year Performance
The stock trades near its 50-day average of $134.57 but below the 200-day average of $156.55. Year-to-date performance shows a 12.1% decline. The 52-week range spans $121.99 to $205.95. Strong earnings could reignite momentum toward higher levels. Disappointing results could test support near $147.
Final Thoughts
QUALCOMM enters earnings season with mixed expectations and strong historical execution. Analysts expect $2.57 EPS and $10.59 billion revenue, representing a sequential decline from recent quarters. However, the company’s track record shows three of four recent quarters beat estimates, suggesting upside potential. Investors should focus on segment performance, cash flow trends, and management guidance on 5G and AI chip demand. The B+ Meyka grade reflects balanced fundamentals amid valuation concerns. Technical indicators show overbought conditions, so earnings quality matters more than absolute beats. Watch for margin trends and capital allocation commentary during the call.
FAQs
What EPS and revenue does QUALCOMM expect to report on April 29?
Analysts expect $2.57 EPS and $10.59 billion revenue, representing sequential declines from February’s $3.50 EPS and $12.25 billion revenue.
Has QUALCOMM beaten earnings estimates recently?
Yes, QUALCOMM beat EPS estimates in three of four recent quarters, including a $0.11 beat in February 2026. Revenue also beat 75% of the time, suggesting potential for another positive surprise.
What should investors watch during the earnings call?
Monitor QCT chip demand, 5G adoption, AI momentum, and QTL licensing trends. Track gross margins, operating cash flow guidance, capital allocation, competitive dynamics, and supply chain health.
What is QUALCOMM’s Meyka AI grade and what does it mean?
QUALCOMM receives a B+ grade, indicating neutral recommendation. This reflects balanced fundamentals with valuation concerns, factoring in S&P 500 comparison and analyst consensus.
Is QUALCOMM stock overvalued at current levels?
QUALCOMM trades at P/E 30.3 and price-to-sales 3.56, above historical averages with overbought technicals. Valuation depends on earnings growth execution and guidance strength.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Earnings estimates are analyst projections and not guarantees of actual results. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.
What brings you to Meyka?
Pick what interests you most and we will get you started.
I'm here to read news
Find more articles like this one
I'm here to research stocks
Ask Meyka Analyst about any stock
I'm here to track my Portfolio
Get daily updates and alerts (coming March 2026)