Qualcomm Layoffs - Summary

October 13, 2023

Qualcomm, a global leader in the semiconductor and telecommunications industry, has recently announced a significant workforce reduction, eliminating 1,258 positions across its San Diego and Santa Clara, California offices. This move, affecting approximately 2.5% of its total workforce, is set to take effect around mid-December 2023 and is not expected to result in any facility closures.

The layoffs, notably impacting over 750 engineering positions, including director-level personnel, span across various departments, enveloping roles from internal technical staff to accounting. This strategic decision is part of a restructuring action aimed at enabling "continued investments in key growth and diversification opportunities" amidst ongoing macroeconomic and demand uncertainties, particularly in the smartphone market, which has been a significant revenue source for Qualcomm.

No Hiring Freeze Announced

Despite the layoffs, Qualcomm has not explicitly stated a hiring freeze, leaving the status of new recruitment ambiguous. The restructuring actions, expected to be substantially completed in the first half of fiscal 2024, are primarily focused on workforce reductions and are anticipated to incur significant additional restructuring charges, especially in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Qualcomm's decision comes amidst a challenging market environment, with the company projecting a revenue contraction of about 19% in the current fiscal year. The layoffs are seen as a proactive measure to manage costs and navigate through the subdued demand for its primary product, especially considering the lackluster demand in the smartphone market.

While the layoffs are substantial, Qualcomm's restructuring actions underscore a strategic move to navigate through macroeconomic uncertainties and enable investments in pivotal growth and diversification opportunities. The company remains a significant player in the semiconductor industry, and these actions may position it to better navigate future market dynamics and continue its trajectory in key growth areas.

 Here are some key points (clues) from Qualcomm’s third quarter fiscal 2023 results released Sept. 2/2023

  1. Revenue Decline:

    • GAAP Revenues in Q3 2023 were $8.5 billion, compared to $10.936 billion in Q3 2022, representing a 23% decline YoY (Year-over-Year).

  2. Earnings Before Taxes (EBT) and Net Income Decline:

    • EBT in Q3 2023 was $1.757 billion, a 59% decline from Q3 2022 ($4.239 billion).

    • Net Income in Q3 2023 was $1.803 billion, a 52% decline from Q3 2022 ($3.730 billion).

  3. Earnings Per Share (EPS) Decline:

    • GAAP EPS in Q3 2023 was $1.60, a 51% decline from Q3 2022 ($3.29).

  4. Segment Results:

    • QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies):

      • Revenues: $7.174 billion in Q3 2023 vs. $9.378 billion in Q3 2022 (24% decline).

      • EBT: $1.744 billion in Q3 2023 vs. $2.996 billion in Q3 2022 (42% decline).

    • QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing):

      • Revenues: $1.230 billion in Q3 2023 vs. $1.519 billion in Q3 2022 (19% decline).

      • EBT: $811 million in Q3 2023 vs. $1.080 billion in Q3 2022 (25% decline).

  5. QCT Revenue Streams:

    • Handsets: $5.255 billion in Q3 2023 vs. $7.047 billion in Q3 2022 (25% decline).

    • IoT: $1.485 billion in Q3 2023 vs. $1.946 billion in Q3 2022 (24% decline).

    • Automotive: $434 million in Q3 2023 vs. $385 million in Q3 2022 (13% increase, but not enough to offset other declines).

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