Qualcomm Inc.

Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM - Analyst Report) continues to benefit from consumers increasing their use of 3G devices to stay connected. That is a part of the trend of more consumers using smart phones and other mobile devices to text, email, and access the internet.

Business

Qualcomm Inc. develops, designs, manufactures, and markets digital wireless telecommunications products and services.

Growth and Income

The company is expected to grow its earnings per share 36.2% in 2010, 11.7% in 2011, and 17.6% over the long term. Qualcomm's trailing 12-month return on equity was 16.2%. The stock also offers shareholders a dividend yield of 2.0%.

This Zacks #2 Rank stock trades at 18.9x fiscal 2010 consensus EPS estimates and 16.9x fiscal 2011 consensus EPS estimates.

Fiscal Third-Quarter Results

On July 21, Qualcomm announced fiscal third-quarter revenue of $2.7 billion, down 2% from the year-ago quarter but up 1% from fiscal Q2. The company earned $0.50 per share, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3 cents, or 6.4%. In the last two quarters, the company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 7.3%.

Guidance

For fiscal fourth quarter, the company expects revenue of $2.67 billion to $2.93 billion (midpoint = $2.8 billion) and EPS of $0.55-$0.59. The Zacks Consensus was $0.50 for fiscal Q4.

Estimates

In the last week, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2010 is up 4 cents, or 2.0%, to $2.07. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2011 is up 4 cents, or 1.3%, to $2.31.

Balance Sheet

The company ended its fiscal third quarter with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $17.6 billion and no debt. That translates to cash per share of $10.50.

Read the full analyst report on QCOM