10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

QUALCOMM INC/DE Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Dec 31, 2000

Filed January 26, 2001For Securities:QCOM

Summary

QUALCOMM Incorporated reported a significant shift in its financial performance for the quarter ending December 31, 2000, compared to the same period in the prior year. The company experienced a substantial revenue decline, from $1.12 billion to $684 million. This decrease was largely attributed to the divestiture of its terrestrial-based CDMA wireless consumer phone business in February 2000 and challenges faced by its Globalstar LP investment. Notably, the company incurred a net loss of $228.7 million for the quarter, a stark contrast to the net income of $177.1 million in the prior year's comparable period. This loss was exacerbated by significant asset impairment charges related to Globalstar and the adoption of new accounting standards (FAS 133), which introduced volatility in earnings due to fair value accounting for derivative instruments.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue decreased significantly by 38.9% year-over-year, from $1.12 billion to $684 million, primarily due to the sale of the consumer phone business and Globalstar's financial difficulties.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $228.7 million for the quarter, a reversal from a net income of $177.1 million in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3Operating expenses saw a substantial increase, largely driven by $480.8 million in asset impairment and related charges, predominantly linked to the Globalstar business.
  • 4Adoption of FAS 133 led to the recording of $160 million in pre-tax unrealized losses on derivative instruments and a $129 million cumulative gain on accounting change, impacting the income statement with increased volatility.
  • 5The company's strategic investments, including a significant commitment to Inquam Limited and the formation of QUALCOMM Ventures, highlight its continued focus on fostering CDMA technology adoption.
  • 6The Globalstar LP investment continues to be a major concern, with the company suspending debt payments and QUALCOMM recording substantial charges and impairments related to its exposure.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents increased to $826.3 million from $716.9 million, indicating a solid cash position despite the net loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

The revenue decline was primarily due to the sale of QUALCOMM's terrestrial-based CDMA wireless consumer phone business in February 2000 and the impact of Globalstar LP's financial issues. The net loss was a result of the revenue decline, significant asset impairment charges related to Globalstar ($481 million), and the adoption of FAS 133, which introduced unrealized losses on derivative instruments into the income statement.

The Globalstar investment has had a severe negative impact. Globalstar suspended debt payments, leading QUALCOMM to record significant charges of $481 million in asset impairment and related charges, along with other related expenses. QUALCOMM also decided to stop recognizing revenue from Globalstar until cash is received, anticipating much lower future revenues from this venture.

The adoption of FAS 133, effective at the start of fiscal year 2001, requires derivative instruments to be recorded at fair value. This led to a $129 million cumulative gain related to a Leap Wireless warrant. However, it also introduced significant volatility, with $160 million in pre-tax unrealized losses on derivative instruments recognized in the quarter due to market fluctuations, primarily affecting the company's investment income.

QUALCOMM continues to prioritize strategic investments to promote CDMA technology adoption globally. This includes commitments to companies like Inquam Limited, the formation of QUALCOMM Ventures for early-stage investments, and financing arrangements to support CDMA customers. While these investments carry significant risk, they are central to the company's long-term strategy.