February 5, 2026
Finance

Analysts Reduce Qualcomm Price Targets Following Mixed Q1 Results and Soft Q2 Guidance

Despite Record Q1 Revenue and Earnings Beat, Qualcomm's Outlook Triggers Market Caution and Analyst Revisions

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Summary

Qualcomm Inc delivered a robust first-quarter performance, reporting record revenues and adjusted earnings per share that surpassed analyst expectations. However, the company’s guidance for the second quarter came in below consensus projections, prompting several analysts to lower their price targets for the stock. Pre-market trading reflected investor caution with shares falling nearly 10%.

Key Points

Qualcomm's Q1 revenue reached a record $12.25 billion, surpassing analyst estimates.
Adjusted EPS of $3.50 in Q1 exceeded consensus expectations of $3.40.
Second-quarter revenue guidance is below the Street consensus, at $10.20 billion to $11.0 billion.
Second-quarter adjusted EPS guidance of $2.45 to $2.65 also falls short of analyst forecasts.

Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ: QCOM) unveiled its first-quarter financial results, posting record revenue figures amid a backdrop of higher-than-expected earnings per share. The semiconductor and telecommunications equipment corporation recorded a total revenue of $12.25 billion for the quarter, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. This performance exceeded the $12.18 billion consensus forecast as tracked by Benzinga Pro.

Additionally, Qualcomm reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.50, which surpassed analysts’ estimates pegged at $3.40, further underscoring the company’s solid quarterly execution. These results highlight Qualcomm’s sustained growth despite challenges in the broader technology sector and ongoing economic uncertainties.

Nevertheless, the company’s guidance for the second quarter has tempered investor enthusiasm. Qualcomm anticipates revenue in the range of $10.20 billion to $11.0 billion, falling short of the Street’s consensus estimate of $11.11 billion. Furthermore, the anticipated adjusted earnings per share for Q2 range between $2.45 and $2.65, below the consensus figure of $2.88.

Qualcomm’s Chief Executive Officer, Cristiano Amon, expressed satisfaction with the recent quarterly achievements, stating, “We are pleased to deliver strong quarterly results, with record total company revenues.” He also emphasized the company’s expanding momentum in several innovative sectors, including personal technology, industrial applications, and physical artificial intelligence.

Despite the upbeat Q1 performance, Qualcomm’s shares faced downward pressure in pre-market trading, declining approximately 9.6% to $134.64. The market reaction reflects concerns about the softness embedded in the company’s forward-looking guidance, overshadowing the positive headline numbers.

In response to the quarterly report, several equity analysts reevaluated their outlooks on Qualcomm’s stock. Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh retained a Neutral rating on the stock but lowered the price target from $160 to $140, signaling a more cautious perspective given the revised outlook.

Similarly, Rosenblatt analyst Kevin Cassidy maintained a Buy rating but reduced the price target from $225 to $190, indicating tempered expectations despite continued confidence in Qualcomm’s long-term prospects.

These adjustments come amid a broader industry environment where technological innovation and macroeconomic factors interplay to influence company performance. Qualcomm’s trajectory will remain under scrutiny, particularly in how it navigates evolving market demands and the execution of its strategic initiatives around AI and other cutting-edge technologies.

Investors considering positions in Qualcomm should weigh the solid operational results against the challenges implied by the company's cautious guidance. Market participants are advised to monitor upcoming quarterly disclosures and forward guidance statements to better assess the firm’s growth dynamics and risk profile moving forward.

Key Points:

  • Qualcomm achieved record quarterly revenue of $12.25 billion in Q1, a 5% increase year-over-year, beating analyst revenue estimates.
  • Adjusted earnings per share of $3.50 exceeded the expected $3.40, marking a strong earnings performance.
  • Guidance for Q2 predicts revenue between $10.20 billion and $11.0 billion, below the consensus estimate of $11.11 billion.
  • Projected adjusted EPS for Q2 ranges from $2.45 to $2.65, falling short of the $2.88 analyst consensus.
  • Following these results and outlook, Qualcomm’s shares dropped nearly 10% in early trading.
  • Analysts from Mizuho and Rosenblatt maintained neutral and buy ratings respectively but lowered their price targets significantly.

Risks and Uncertainties:

  • The second-quarter revenue and earnings guidance falling below analyst expectations may indicate demand softness or operational challenges.
  • Investor sentiment reflected in the nearly 10% stock price decline suggests market skepticism surrounding Qualcomm’s near-term growth prospects.
  • Lowered price targets by analysts highlight cautious outlooks amidst potential headwinds in the semiconductor industry and macroeconomic pressures.
  • Dependence on growth across personal, industrial, and physical AI sectors carries execution risk given the competitive technology landscape.
Risks
  • Second-quarter revenue and EPS forecasts are lower than market estimates, raising concerns about future performance.
  • The nearly 10% drop in pre-market stock price reflects investor caution post-earnings.
  • Analysts have downgraded price targets, signaling less optimistic valuation perspectives.
  • Growth in emerging AI sectors is uncertain and dependent on successful execution amid competitive pressures.
Disclosure
Education only / not financial advice
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