BENGALURU: Qualcomm, a dominant player in the global smartphone processor market, has set ambitious goals, projecting an additional $22 billion in annual revenue by fiscal 2029 through its expansion into new markets, notably automotive chips and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The strategic pivot reflects Qualcomm’s response to changing market dynamics and the need to mitigate risks associated with its reliance on the smartphone sector.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon, who assumed his role in 2021, Qualcomm has actively sought to broaden its focus beyond its traditional stronghold in smartphones.
The initiative includes a concerted effort to penetrate the automotive chip market, which is anticipated to contribute $8 billion annually, and to capitalise on the burgeoning IoT sector, projected to yield an additional $14 billion.
The IoT category encompasses a wide array of connected devices, including personal computers, industrial machinery, and virtual reality equipment, thereby expanding Qualcomm’s footprint across diverse industries.
Amon has articulated a vision for Qualcomm that embraces a total market opportunity of $900 billion by 2030, underscoring the vast potential for growth outside of mobile communications.
The urgency to diversify stems from Qualcomm’s impending loss of a significant customer, Apple, which is in the process of developing its own radio connectivity components. This development poses a considerable threat to Qualcomm’s revenue stream, as Apple has historically been one of its largest clients.
Securing financial future
By diversifying its product offerings and targeting new markets, Qualcomm aims to cushion the impact of this loss and secure its financial future.
During a recent investor presentation in New York, Qualcomm executives expressed optimism regarding the company’s prospects, even amid geopolitical tensions and potential trade tariffs. The company reported a positive outlook on the incoming Trump administration, reflecting a belief in maintaining favourable relations with government officials.
Qualcomm’s technology licensing business, led by Alex Rogers, emphasised the importance of its existing partnerships and the potential for continued collaboration, even in the face of proposed tariffs on Chinese imports.
Diversification efforts
Notably, Qualcomm derived nearly half of its revenue from China, and Amon reassured investors that existing relationships with Chinese firms had strengthened, particularly in the automotive sector.
However, Qualcomm’s history with US-China trade relations has been fraught with challenges. The company previously faced setbacks, such as the abandonment of a $44 billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors due to regulatory hurdles in China.
The experience has heightened awareness of the complexities of operating in a global market characterised by political and economic uncertainties.
In fiscal 2024, Qualcomm reported revenue of $8.32 billion from non-smartphone chip categories, which constituted only a third of its total revenue of $24.86 billion.
The disparity highlights the critical need for Qualcomm to accelerate its diversification efforts to ensure sustainable growth. By strategically investing in automotive and IoT technologies, Qualcomm is positioning itself to not only recover from potential losses but also to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
