Patent licensing (QTL)
Revenue declined 3% year over year to $1.28B in fiscal Q3 2026.
The numbers
What it is
Patent royalties and license fees from device makers that use Qualcomm's standard-essential cellular patents, including phone makers and other wireless device sellers.
Why it matters to the stock. QTL carries high margins and does not depend on chip unit volumes, so it is the most stable profit source in the company.
News
Huawei and Qualcomm agree broad patent license; Qualcomm buys Huawei patents
Huawei and Qualcomm agreed a multi-year patent deal that includes cross-licenses across their portfolios in 5G, compute, AI and networking.
Qualcomm renews global patent license with Apple, effective April 1, 2027
Qualcomm said on September 24 that it has renewed its global patent license agreement with Apple, effective April 1, 2027.
Qualcomm returned $2.3B to shareholders in fiscal Q3 2026
Qualcomm paid $973 million in cash dividends ($0.92 per share) and repurchased 8 million shares for $1.4 billion in the quarter.
Qualcomm beats on fiscal Q1 2026 but guides March quarter well below Street
Qualcomm reported fiscal first-quarter revenue of $12.25 billion, up 5% year over year, and non-GAAP EPS of $3.50.