Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is scheduled to announce its financial results for the first quarter following the closing of markets on Wednesday, February 4. Financial analysts predict earnings per share (EPS) of approximately $3.40, a minimal decline from the $3.41 reported in the same quarter last year. Revenue expectations have been set around $12.18 billion, reflecting an increase compared to last year's reported $11.67 billion, as per data aggregated by Benzinga Pro.
Leading into this earnings announcement, C.J. Muse, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald, reaffirmed a Neutral rating on Qualcomm’s stock. However, Muse revised the price target downward from $185 to $160, indicating a reassessment of the stock's near-term valuation despite the stable earnings outlook.
Beyond earnings, Qualcomm’s dividend returns remain a component of investor considerations. Presently, the company offers an annual dividend yield of roughly 2.42%, amounting to a quarterly distribution of $0.89 per share and aggregating to $3.56 on an annual basis.
For investors aiming to derive a monthly dividend income of $500 from Qualcomm shares, the calculations are straightforward when done on an annualized basis. An annual income target of $6,000 (derived from $500 multiplied by 12 months) divided by the annual dividend payment per share ($3.56) results in a requisite ownership of approximately 1,685 shares.
At current market valuations, acquiring 1,685 shares translates into an investment of about $247,998, which would be the capital outlay required to maintain a monthly dividend income of $500.
Alternatively, for those with a more conservative dividend income goal of $100 per month—equivalent to $1,200 annually—the same method dictates ownership of roughly 337 shares. This holding, given the current stock price, would require an investment close to $49,600.
It is important to recognize that dividend yield is a variable metric influenced by both the dividend payment itself and the market price of the stock, both of which fluctuate over time. The dividend yield is determined by dividing the total annual dividend payment by the stock's current share price.
To illustrate, if a stock dispenses an annual dividend of $2 with a current share price of $50, the resultant dividend yield would be 4%. Should the share price rise to $60 while the dividend remains unchanged, the yield would correspondingly fall to 3.33% ($2 divided by $60). Conversely, a decrease in stock price to $40, holding dividends steady, would elevate the yield to 5% ($2 divided by $40).
Moreover, changes in the dividend payment itself can impact yield independently of share price movements. An increase in dividend payouts would result in a higher yield if the stock price remains constant, whereas a reduction in dividends would have the opposite effect.
The trading activity preceding the upcoming earnings report saw Qualcomm's shares decline by 3.6% on Tuesday, closing at $147.18 per share. This price movement further exemplifies the variable nature of dividend yields and reinforces the necessity for investors to monitor both market valuations and dividend policies closely.