Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC Reduces Stake in QUALCOMM Incorporated

Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC has decreased its investment in QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) by 30.9% during the fourth quarter, as revealed in their latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. After selling 4,945 shares during this period, the fund now holds 11,084 shares of the wireless technology company. The total value of their holdings at the conclusion of this reporting period was approximately $1.70 million.

Changes in Other Institutional Holdings

In addition to Stratos Wealth Advisors, several other institutional investors have recently adjusted their positions in QUALCOMM. For instance, Algert Global LLC established a new holding in the company valued at $366,000 during the second quarter. Meanwhile, the Czech National Bank increased its holdings by 6.5% in the third quarter, accumulating 226,933 shares worth about $38.59 million after acquiring an additional 13,888 shares.

Versant Capital Management Inc also raised its investment significantly, with a 26.1% increase in the third quarter; they now own 1,097 shares valued at $187,000 after adding 227 shares to their portfolio. Moreover, Legacy Private Trust Co. saw a substantial 246.9% growth in their holdings, which now numbers 10,698 shares valued at $1.82 million after buying 7,614 additional shares. Lastly, O Keefe Stevens Advisory Inc. reported a minor increase of 1.2% in their shareholding, owning 133,499 shares now worth $22.70 million.

Overall, institutional and hedge fund investors currently own approximately 74.35% of QUALCOMM's stock.

QUALCOMM Stock Analysis

The stock opened at $175.86, showing a quick ratio of 1.79, a current ratio of 2.40, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Over the past year, QUALCOMM has reached a low of $142.43 and a high of $230.63. The company's 50-day moving average stands at $161.31, while the 200-day moving average is $165.95. QUALCOMM has a market capitalization of $195.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.56, a PEG ratio of 2.87, and a beta of 1.25.

Recent Earnings Report

QUALCOMM last announced its quarterly earnings results on February 5th, revealing earnings per share (EPS) of $2.86, slightly missing analysts' expectations of $2.93. The company reported a net margin of 26.03% and a return on equity of 38.81%. Analysts forecast an average EPS of 9.16 for the current year.

Quarterly Dividend Announcement

The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.85, expected to be paid on March 27th. Shareholders recorded on March 6th will receive this dividend, which equates to an annualized dividend of $3.40, offering a yield of 1.93%. Currently, QUALCOMM's dividend payout ratio is 37.82%.

Analyst Ratings Insights

Many research firms have analyzed QUALCOMM, with Benchmark reaffirming a "buy" rating and setting a target price of $240.00. Melius Research initiated coverage with a "hold" rating and a price target of $180.00. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their target price from $200.00 to $215.00, categorizing the stock as "outperform." Loop Capital rated the stock as a "hold" with $180.00 as their price objective.

In contrast, Susquehanna reduced their target price from $230.00 to $210.00 while maintaining a "positive" rating. Among analysts, there are fourteen buy ratings, one strong buy, fourteen hold ratings, while one analyst rated it as a sell. According to available data, the stock has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" with a consensus target price of $206.57.

Insider Transactions

Recently, CAO Neil Martin sold 1,304 shares of QUALCOMM stock at an average price of $155.00. This transaction totaled $202,120.00. Following this sale, he holds just 94 shares valued at approximately $14,570. CFO Akash J. Palkhiwala also sold 3,000 shares at an average price of $161.54, bringing the total to $484,620.00. After this sale, he retains 48,778 shares valued at around $7.88 million. In total, insiders have sold 24,981 shares worth approximately $4 million over the previous three months, and insiders hold about 0.08% of QUALCOMM's stock.

About QUALCOMM Incorporated

QUALCOMM Incorporated is involved in developing and commercializing foundational technologies for the wireless industry globally. It operates in three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI). The QCT segment focuses on developing and supplying integrated circuits and software for various wireless applications.

Conclusion and Outlook

With QUALCOMM maintaining a presence as a major player in the wireless technology sector, both analysts and investors continue to closely monitor its performance and future prospects. While the recent decrease by Stratos Wealth Advisors indicates a shift in strategy, the overall institutional interest in QUALCOMM remains robust, and its financial health appears stable. Investors will likely keep an eye on upcoming earnings results and further analyst updates.

stocks, investment, QUALCOMM