QUALCOMM (QCOM) earnings preview: tepid revenue projectionsAnalysts expect Qualcomm’s licensing business to show a solid growth, because of increased 3G and 4G device adoption. However, recent government investigations into the business model and the Apple lawsuit against Qualcomm’s business practices have increased the possibility of negative effects on royalty revenue. Qualcomm may be able to withstand these inquiries and maintain adequate royalty rates.
Qualcomm is a steward of the digital communication technology known as CDMA, which is commonly referred to as a third-generation, or 3G, wireless communications standard. 3G allows devices to send/receive voice signals and wireless data, and has played a major role in the proliferation of mobile devices. Qualcomm’s treasure trove of patents (with a monopoly in 3G and a significant portion of 4G) allows the firm to charge device-makers a royalty fee as a percentage of the price of each 3G and 4G device sold (as most 4G phones are backward-compatible with 3G).
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