QUALCOMM INC/DE, 10-Q filed on 1/27/2016
Quarterly Report
v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information Document - shares
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Jan. 25, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name QUALCOMM INC/DE  
Entity Registrant State of Incorporation Delaware  
Entity Address 5775 Morehouse Dr.  
Entity City San Diego  
Entity State California  
Entity Zip Code 92121-1714  
Entity Phone Number (858) 587-1121  
Entity Employer ID 953685934  
Entity Central Index Key 0000804328  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-25  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Dec. 27, 2015  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,494,887,355
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
v3.3.1.900
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,913 $ 7,560
Marketable securities 9,615 9,761
Accounts receivable, net 1,323 1,964
Inventories 1,216 1,492
Deferred tax assets 607 635
Other current assets 664 687
Total current assets 20,338 22,099
Marketable securities 14,063 13,626
Deferred tax assets 1,616 1,453
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,484 2,534
Goodwill 5,669 5,479
Other intangible assets, net 4,068 3,742
Other assets 1,991 1,863
Total assets 50,229 50,796
Current liabilities:    
Trade accounts payable 1,359 1,300
Payroll and other benefits related liabilities 895 861
Unearned revenues 639 583
Short-term debt 1,000 1,000
Other current liabilities 2,610 2,356
Total current liabilities 6,503 6,100
Unearned revenues 2,630 2,496
Long-term debt 9,950 9,969
Other liabilities 913 817
Total liabilities $ 19,996 $ 19,382
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Stockholders' equity:    
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 8 shares authorized; none outstanding $ 0 $ 0
Common stock and paid-in capital, $0.0001 par value; 6,000 shares authorized; 1,495 and 1,524 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 0 0
Retained earnings 30,172 31,226
Accumulated other comprehensive income 69 195
Total Qualcomm stockholders' equity 30,241 31,421
Noncontrolling interests (8) (7)
Total stockholders' equity 30,233 31,414
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 50,229 $ 50,796
v3.3.1.900
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICALS - $ / shares
shares in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Preferred stock, par value $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized 8 8
Preferred stock, shares outstanding 0 0
Common stock, par value $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized 6,000 6,000
Common stock, shares issued 1,495 1,524
Common stock, shares outstanding 1,495 1,524
v3.3.1.900
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Revenues:    
Equipment and services $ 4,087 $ 5,216
Licensing 1,688 1,883
Total revenues 5,775 7,099
Costs and expenses:    
Cost of equipment and services revenues 2,534 3,047
Research and development 1,352 1,352
Selling, general and administrative 578 583
Other (374) 53
Total costs and expenses 4,090 5,035
Operating income 1,685 2,064
Interest expense (74) (1)
Investment income, net (Note 2) 99 235
Income before income taxes 1,710 2,298
Income tax expense (214) (327)
Net income 1,496 1,971
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 2 1
Net income attributable to Qualcomm $ 1,498 $ 1,972
Basic earnings per share attributable to Qualcomm $ 1.00 $ 1.19
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Qualcomm $ 0.99 $ 1.17
Shares used in per share calculations:    
Basic 1,502 1,661
Diluted 1,517 1,686
Dividends per share announced $ 0.48 $ 0.42
v3.3.1.900
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Net income $ 1,496 $ 1,971
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:    
Foreign currency translation losses (14) (21)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation losses included in net income 1 0
Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses and subsequent changes in fair value related to certain available-for-sale debt securities (27) (9)
Reclassification of other-than-temporary losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income 47 41
Net unrealized losses on other available-for-sale securities (109) (104)
Reclassification of net realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income (25) (111)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments 1 (2)
Total other comprehensive loss (126) (206)
Total comprehensive income 1,370 1,765
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 2 1
Comprehensive income attributable to Qualcomm $ 1,372 $ 1,766
v3.3.1.900
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Operating Activities:    
Net income $ 1,496 $ 1,971
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization expense 364 287
Indefinite and long-lived asset impairment charges 2 75
Income tax provision less than income tax payments (103) (7)
Realized gain on sale of wireless spectrum (380) 0
Non-cash portion of share-based compensation expense 247 273
Incremental tax benefits from share-based compensation (2) (48)
Net realized gains on marketable securities and other investments (49) (166)
Impairment losses on marketable securities and other investments 63 65
Other items, net (13) (31)
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable, net 646 173
Inventories 291 (303)
Other assets 66 (140)
Trade accounts payable 50 268
Payroll, benefits and other liabilities 98 20
Unearned revenues (37) (73)
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,739 2,364
Investing Activities:    
Capital expenditures (128) (253)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (3,737) (5,966)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 3,113 4,578
Purchases of trading securities (149) (302)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of trading securities 121 296
Proceeds from sales of other marketable securities 200 0
Acquisitions and other investments, net of cash acquired (450) (111)
Proceeds from sale of wireless spectrum 232 0
Other items, net 82 22
Net cash used by investing activities (716) (1,736)
Financing Activities:    
Proceeds from short-term debt 1,089 0
Repayment of short-term debt (1,090) 0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 99 116
Repurchases and retirements of common stock (2,050) (1,664)
Dividends paid (717) (697)
Incremental tax benefits from share-based compensation 2 48
Other items, net 2 (6)
Net cash used by financing activities (2,665) (2,203)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (5) (7)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (647) (1,582)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,560 7,907
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 6,913 $ 6,325
v3.3.1.900
Basis of Presentation (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
Financial Statement Preparation. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by QUALCOMM Incorporated (collectively with its subsidiaries, the Company or Qualcomm) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the interim financial information includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2015. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire fiscal year. The Company operates and reports using a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. Each of the three-month periods ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 included 13 weeks.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Earnings Per Common Share. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income attributable to Qualcomm by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income attributable to Qualcomm by the combination of dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Company’s share-based compensation plans and shares subject to written put options and/or accelerated share repurchase agreements, if any, and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share equivalents, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of an award, if any, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, if any, and the estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in paid-in capital when an award is settled, if any, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares in the current period. The dilutive common share equivalents, calculated using the treasury stock method, for the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 were 14,430,000 and 25,003,000, respectively. Shares of common stock equivalents outstanding that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the effect would be anti-dilutive or certain performance conditions were not satisfied at the end of the period were 1,172,000 and 1,470,000 during the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation. Total share-based compensation expense, related to all of the Company’s share-based awards, was comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Cost of equipment and services revenues
$
10

 
$
12

Research and development
165

 
174

Selling, general and administrative
72

 
87

Share-based compensation expense before income taxes
247

 
273

Related income tax benefit
(60
)
 
(44
)
 
$
187

 
$
229


The Company recorded $31 million in share-based compensation expense during each of the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 related to share-based awards granted during those periods. At December 27, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units granted prior to that date was $1.6 billion, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. During the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, net share-based awards granted, after forfeitures and cancellations, represented 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively, of outstanding shares as of the beginning of each fiscal period, and total share-based awards granted represented 0.9% and 0.4%, respectively, of outstanding shares as of the end of each fiscal period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue upon transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the expected consideration to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step approach for recognizing revenue, which may require a company to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. The new standard will be effective for the Company starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The FASB will permit entities to adopt one year earlier if they choose (i.e., the original effective date). The new standard allows for two methods of adoption: (a) full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or (b) modified retrospective adoption, meaning the cumulative effect of applying the new standard is recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance. The Company does not intend to adopt the standard early and is in the process of determining the adoption method as well as the effects the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The new accounting guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of interim or annual reporting periods. The Company plans to adopt the standard prospectively in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which requires that (i) all equity investments, other than equity-method investments, in unconsolidated entities generally be measured at fair value through earnings and (ii) when the fair value option has been elected for financial liabilities, changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. Additionally, the ASU changes the disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The new standard will be effective for the Company starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. The Company is in the process of determining the effects the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as whether to adopt certain provisions early.
v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items
Note 2. Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items
Accounts Receivable (in millions)
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
 
September 27, 2015
Trade, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1 and $6, respectively
$
1,302

 
$
1,941

Long-term contracts
13

 
11

Other
8

 
12

 
$
1,323

 
$
1,964


The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily due to the timing of integrated circuit shipments and the collection of payments from certain of the Company’s licensees.
Inventories (in millions)
 
 
 
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
Raw materials
$
1

 
$
1

Work-in-process
458

 
550

Finished goods
757

 
941

 
$
1,216

 
$
1,492


Other Current Liabilities (in millions)
 
 
 
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
Customer incentives and other customer-related liabilities
$
2,188

 
$
1,894

Other
422

 
462

 
$
2,610

 
$
2,356


Other Income, Costs and Expenses. In October 2015, the Company sold its wireless spectrum in the United Kingdom for $232 million in cash and $275 million in deferred payments due in 2020 to 2023, which were recorded at their present values in other assets. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of $380 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 in other income. Other income also included $54 million in restructuring and restructuring-related charges, which were partially offset by a $48 million gain on the sale of the Company’s business that provided augmented reality applications, both of which related to the Company’s Strategic Realignment Plan (Note 9).
Other expenses in the three months ended December 28, 2014 were attributable to a $69 million goodwill impairment charge related to the Company’s business that provides push-to-talk enablement services, which was partially offset by a $16 million gain on the sale of certain property, plant and equipment.
Investment Income, Net (in millions)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Interest and dividend income
$
136

 
$
134

Net realized gains on marketable securities
43

 
156

Net realized gains on other investments
6

 
10

Impairment losses on marketable securities
(49
)
 
(62
)
Impairment losses on other investments
(14
)
 
(3
)
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
(3
)
 
4

Equity in net losses of investees
(20
)
 
(4
)
 
$
99

 
$
235

v3.3.1.900
Income Taxes (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Note 3. Income Taxes
The Company estimates its annual effective income tax rate to be approximately 17% for fiscal 2016, which is less than its 19% effective income tax rate for fiscal 2015. Tax benefits from foreign income taxed at rates lower than rates in the United States are expected to be approximately 16% in fiscal 2016, compared to 14% in fiscal 2015. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the United States government permanently reinstated the federal research and development tax credit retroactively to January 1, 2015. As a result of the reinstatement, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $79 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 related to fiscal 2015. The annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 reflected the United States federal research and development tax credit generated through December 31, 2014, the date on which the credit previously expired. Further, the China National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) imposed a fine of $975 million on the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, which was not deductible for tax purposes and was substantially attributable to a foreign jurisdiction. The effective tax rate of 13% for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was less than the estimated annual effective tax rate of 17% primarily as a result of the retroactive reinstatement of the United States federal research and development tax credit.
Unrecognized tax benefits were $113 million and $40 million at December 27, 2015 and September 27, 2015, respectively. Certain of the Company’s existing tax positions are expected to continue to generate an increase in unrecognized tax benefits through fiscal 2016.
v3.3.1.900
Stockholders' Equity (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity
Note 4. Stockholders’ Equity
Changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended December 27, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
 
Qualcomm Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at September 27, 2015
$
31,421

 
$
(7
)
 
$
31,414

Net income (loss)
1,498

 
(2
)
 
1,496

Other comprehensive loss
(126
)
 

 
(126
)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans and related tax benefits
70

 

 
70

Share-based compensation
260

 

 
260

Tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based payments
(102
)
 

 
(102
)
Dividends
(730
)
 

 
(730
)
Stock repurchases
(2,050
)
 

 
(2,050
)
Issuance of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interest

 
1

 
1

Balance at December 27, 2015
$
30,241

 
$
(8
)
 
$
30,233


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Other comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, other than net income and including foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities and derivative instruments. Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes, in Qualcomm stockholders’ equity during the three months ended December 27, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Noncredit Other-than-Temporary Impairment Losses and Subsequent Changes in Fair Value for Certain Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Other Available-for-Sale Securities
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at September 27, 2015
$
(160
)
 
$
4

 
$
297

 
$
54

 
$
195

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(14
)
 
(11
)
 
(109
)
 
1

 
(133
)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
1

 
(3
)
 
9

 

 
7

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(13
)
 
(14
)
 
(100
)
 
1

 
(126
)
Balance at December 27, 2015
$
(173
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
197

 
$
55

 
$
69


Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities of $6 million and $71 million for the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, were recorded in investment income, net (Note 2).
Stock Repurchase Program. On March 9, 2015, the Company announced a stock repurchase program authorizing it to repurchase up to $15 billion of the Company’s common stock. The stock repurchase program has no expiration date. During the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company repurchased and retired 36,606,000 and 22,940,000 shares of common stock, respectively, for $2.05 billion and $1.66 billion, respectively, before commissions. At December 27, 2015, $4.9 billion remained authorized for repurchase under the Company’s stock repurchase program.
Dividends. Cash dividends announced in the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 were $0.48 and $0.42 per share, respectively. During the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, dividends charged to retained earnings were $730 million and $710 million, respectively. On January 12, 2016, the Company announced a cash dividend of $0.48 per share on the Company’s common stock, payable on March 23, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 2, 2016.
v3.3.1.900
Debt (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt
Note 5. Debt
Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has a Revolving Credit Facility that provides for unsecured revolving facility loans, swing line loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $4.0 billion, expiring in February 2020. The Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Company comply with certain covenants, including one financial covenant to maintain a ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to consolidated interest expense, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, of not less than three to one at the end of each fiscal quarter. At December 27, 2015 and September 27, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants, and the Company had not borrowed any funds under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Commercial Paper Program. The Company has an unsecured commercial paper program, which provides for the issuance of up to $4.0 billion of commercial paper. Net proceeds from this program are used for general corporate purposes. Maturities of commercial paper can range from 1 day to up to 397 days. At December 27, 2015 and September 27, 2015, the Company had $1.0 billion of outstanding commercial paper recorded as short-term debt with weighted-average interest rates of 0.25% and 0.19%, respectively, which included fees paid to the commercial paper dealers, and weighted-average remaining days to maturity of 30 days and 38 days, respectively. The carrying value of the outstanding commercial paper approximated its estimated fair value at December 27, 2015 and September 27, 2015.
Long-term Debt. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s long-term debt (dollar amounts in millions):
 
December 27, 2015
 
September 27, 2015
 
Amount
 
Effective
Rate
 
Amount
 
Effective
Rate
Floating-rate notes due May 18, 2018
$
250

 
0.70%
 
$
250

 
0.66%
Floating-rate notes due May 20, 2020
250

 
0.98%
 
250

 
0.94%
Fixed-rate 1.40% notes due May 18, 2018
1,250

 
0.71%
 
1,250

 
0.43%
Fixed-rate 2.25% notes due May 20, 2020
1,750

 
1.71%
 
1,750

 
1.62%
Fixed-rate 3.00% notes due May 20, 2022
2,000

 
2.14%
 
2,000

 
2.08%
Fixed-rate 3.45% notes due May 20, 2025
2,000

 
3.46%
 
2,000

 
3.46%
Fixed-rate 4.65% notes due May 20, 2035
1,000

 
4.74%
 
1,000

 
4.74%
Fixed-rate 4.80% notes due May 20, 2045
1,500

 
4.71%
 
1,500

 
4.71%
Total principal
10,000

 
 
 
10,000

 
 
Unamortized discount, including debt issuance costs
(62
)
 
 
 
(63
)
 
 
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments
12

 
 
 
32

 
 
Total long-term debt
$
9,950

 
 
 
$
9,969

 
 

The interest rate on the floating rate notes due in 2018 and 2020 for a particular interest period will be a per annum rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined on the interest determination date plus 0.27% and 0.55%, respectively. Interest is payable in arrears quarterly for the floating-rate notes and semi-annually for the fixed-rate notes. The Company may redeem the fixed-rate notes at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, at specified make-whole premiums as defined in the applicable form of note. The Company may not redeem the floating-rate notes prior to maturity. The Company is not subject to any financial covenants under the notes nor any covenants that would prohibit the Company from incurring additional indebtedness ranking equal to the notes, paying dividends, issuing securities or repurchasing securities issued by it or its subsidiaries. At December 27, 2015 and September 27, 2015, the aggregate fair value of the notes, based on Level 2 inputs, was approximately $9.6 billion.
The Company has entered into interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $3.0 billion, which effectively converted all of the fixed-rate notes due in 2018 and approximately 43% and 50% of the fixed-rate notes due in 2020 and 2022, respectively, into floating-rate notes. The net gains and losses on the interest rate swaps, as well as the offsetting gains or losses on the related fixed-rate notes attributable to the hedged risks, are recognized in earnings as interest expense in the current period.
The effective interest rates for the notes include the interest on the notes, amortization of the discount, which includes debt issuance costs, and if applicable, adjustments related to hedging. Cash interest paid related to the Company’s commercial paper program and long-term debt, net of cash received from the related interest rate swaps, was $128 million during the three months ended December 27, 2015. No commercial paper or long-term debt was outstanding in the three months ended December 28, 2014.
v3.3.1.900
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings. ParkerVision, Inc. v. QUALCOMM Incorporated: On July 20, 2011, ParkerVision filed a complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleging that certain of the Company’s products infringe seven of its patents alleged to cover direct down-conversion receivers. ParkerVision’s complaint sought damages and injunctive and other relief. Subsequently, ParkerVision narrowed its allegations to assert only four patents. On October 17, 2013, the jury returned a verdict finding all asserted claims of the four at-issue patents to be infringed and finding that none of the asserted claims are invalid. On October 24, 2013, the jury returned a separate verdict assessing total past damages of $173 million and finding that the Company’s infringement was not willful. The Company recorded the verdict amount in fiscal 2013 as a charge in other expenses. On June 20, 2014, the court granted the Company’s motion to overturn the infringement verdict, denied the Company’s motion to overturn the invalidity verdict and denied ParkerVision’s motions for injunctive relief and ongoing royalties as moot. The court then entered judgment in the Company’s favor. As a result of the court’s judgment, the Company is not liable for any damages to ParkerVision, and therefore, the Company reversed all recorded amounts related to the damages verdict in fiscal 2014. On June 25, 2014, ParkerVision filed a notice of appeal with the court. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard the appeal on May 8, 2015 and issued a decision on July 31, 2015. The decision affirmed the District Court’s finding of non-infringement and granted in part the Company’s cross-appeal, holding 10 of the 11 asserted claims invalid. A subsequent Petition for Rehearing by ParkerVision was denied on October 2, 2015. On December 16, 2015, ParkerVision was granted an extension of the deadline to file a petition requesting that the United States Supreme Court hear ParkerVision’s appeal of the Federal Circuit decision. The petition is now due on January 29, 2016.
On May 1, 2014, ParkerVision filed another complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleging patent infringement. On August 21, 2014, ParkerVision amended the compliant, now captioned ParkerVision, Inc. v. QUALCOMM Incorporated, Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., HTC Corporation, HTC America, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., LTD., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, broadening the allegations. ParkerVision alleged that the Company infringes 11 additional patents and seeks damages and injunctive and other relief. On September 25, 2015, ParkerVision filed a motion with the court to sever some claims against the Company and all other defendants into a separate lawsuit. In addition, on December 3, 2015, ParkerVision dismissed six patents from the lawsuit and granted the Company and all other defendants a covenant not to assert those patents against any existing products. The close of discovery is scheduled for April 2016, and the trial is scheduled for November 2016. A claim construction ruling and a ruling on ParkerVision’s severance motion are still pending.
On December 14, 2015, ParkerVision filed a third complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleging patent infringement. Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., LTD., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc., LG Electronics, Inc., LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. are also named defendants. The complaint asserts four additional patents and seeks damages and other relief. On December 15, 2015, ParkerVision filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) pursuant to Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 against the same parties asserting the same four patents. The complaint seeks an exclusion order barring the importation of products that use either of two Company transceivers or one Samsung transceiver and a cease and desist order preventing the Company and the other defendants from carrying out commercial activities within the United States related to such products. On January 13, 2016, the Company served its answer to the District Court complaint. On January 15, 2016, the ITC instituted an investigation. The ITC has not yet determined a target date for concluding its investigation.
Nvidia Corporation v. QUALCOMM Incorporated: On September 4, 2014, Nvidia filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and also with the ITC pursuant to Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 against the Company, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and other Samsung entities, alleging infringement of seven patents related to graphics processing. In the ITC complaint, Nvidia seeks an exclusion order barring the importation of certain consumer electronics and display device products, including some that incorporate the Company’s chipset products, that infringe, induce infringement and/or contribute to the infringement of at least one of the seven asserted graphics processing patents as well as a cease and desist order preventing the Company from carrying out commercial activities within the United States related to such products. In the District Court complaint, Nvidia is seeking an award of damages for the infringement of the asserted patents, a finding that such infringement is willful and treble damages for such willful infringement, and an order permanently enjoining the Company from infringing the asserted patents. The ITC instituted an investigation into Nvidia’s allegations on October 6, 2014. Nvidia later narrowed the case to three asserted patents. On October 9, 2015, the Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Determination finding no violation of Section 337 because none of the three patents were both valid and infringed. On October 22, 2015, the Administrative Law Judge issued a recommendation that, if the ITC were to find any violation of Section 337 in the investigation, the ITC should issue a limited exclusion order directed at Samsung’s accused products and a cease and desist order against Samsung but not the Company. On October 26, 2015, Nvidia filed a petition requesting the ITC to review the Initial Determination as to two of the asserted patents, but is no longer pursuing infringement allegations with respect to the third patent. On December 14, 2015, the ITC issued its decision not to review the Initial Determination of the Administrative Law Judge. This made final the determination that the Company did not violate Section 337. Therefore, neither an exclusion order nor a cease and desist order were issued. Nvidia has until February 12, 2016 to file a notice of appeal of the ITC’s determination. The District Court case was stayed on October 23, 2014 pending completion of the ITC investigation, including appeals.
LG Electronics, Inc. (LGE) Arbitration: In December 2015, LGE filed an arbitration demand with the International Chamber of Commerce alleging that it overpaid royalties on certain CDMA (including WCDMA) subscriber units based on the alleged effect of specific provisions in its license agreement, and that the Company breached its license agreement with LGE, as well as certain implied covenants. The arbitration demand seeks determination and return of the overpayment and determination of the ongoing royalties owed by LGE. The Company intends to respond to the arbitration demand, denying the allegations and requesting judgment in its favor on all claims. Although the Company believes LGE’s claims are without merit, it has deferred the recognition of revenue related to CDMA subscriber unit royalties reported and paid by LGE in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 because, among other reasons, the matter has been submitted to arbitration for resolution.
Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) Complaint: The JFTC received unspecified complaints alleging that the Company’s business practices are, in some way, a violation of Japanese law. On September 29, 2009, the JFTC issued a cease and desist order concluding that the Company’s Japanese licensees were forced to cross-license patents to the Company on a royalty-free basis and were forced to accept a provision under which they agreed not to assert their essential patents against the Company’s other licensees who made a similar commitment in their license agreements with the Company. The cease and desist order seeks to require the Company to modify its existing license agreements with Japanese companies to eliminate these provisions while preserving the license of the Company’s patents to those companies. The Company disagrees with the conclusions that it forced its Japanese licensees to agree to any provision in the parties’ agreements and that those provisions violate the Japanese Antimonopoly Act. The Company has invoked its right under Japanese law to an administrative hearing before the JFTC. In February 2010, the Tokyo High Court granted the Company’s motion and issued a stay of the cease and desist order pending the administrative hearing before the JFTC. The JFTC has held hearings on 31 different dates, with the next hearing scheduled for February 25, 2016.
Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) Complaint: On January 4, 2010, the KFTC issued a written decision finding that the Company had violated Korean law by offering certain discounts and rebates for purchases of its CDMA chipsets and for including in certain agreements language requiring the continued payment of royalties after all licensed patents have expired. The KFTC levied a fine, which the Company paid and recorded as an expense in fiscal 2010. The Company appealed to the Seoul High Court, and on June 19, 2013, the Seoul High Court affirmed the KFTC’s decision. On July 4, 2013, the Company filed an appeal with the Korea Supreme Court. There have been no material developments during fiscal 2016 with respect to this matter.
Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) Investigation: On March 17, 2015, the KFTC notified the Company that it is conducting an investigation of the Company relating to the Korean Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (MRFTA). On November 13, 2015, the Company received a case Examiner’s Report (ER) prepared by the KFTC’s investigative staff. The ER alleges, among other things, that the Company is in violation of Korean competition law by licensing its patents exhaustively only to device manufacturers and requiring that its chipset customers be licensed to the Company’s intellectual property. The ER also alleges that the Company obtains certain terms, including royalty terms, that are unfair or unreasonable in its license agreements through negotiations that do not conform to Korean competition law. The ER proposes remedies including modifications to certain business practices and monetary penalties. It remains difficult to predict the outcome of this matter. The Company believes that its business practices do not violate the MRFTA. The Company continues to cooperate with the KFTC as it conducts its investigation.
Icera Complaint to the European Commission (Commission): On June 7, 2010, the Commission notified and provided the Company with a redacted copy of a complaint filed with the Commission by Icera, Inc. (subsequently acquired by Nvidia Corporation) alleging that the Company has engaged in anticompetitive activity. The Company was asked by the Commission to submit a preliminary response to the portions of the complaint disclosed to it, and the Company submitted its response in July 2010. Subsequently, the Company has provided and continues to provide additional documents and information as requested by the Commission. On July 16, 2015, the Commission announced that it had initiated formal proceedings in this matter. On December 8, 2015, the Commission announced that it had issued a Statement of Objections expressing its preliminary view that between 2009 and 2011, the Company engaged in predatory pricing by selling certain baseband chipsets to two customers at prices below cost, with the intention of hindering competition. A Statement of Objections informs the subject of the investigation of the allegations against it and provides an opportunity to respond to such allegations. It is not a determination of the final outcome of the investigation. If a violation is found, a broad range of remedies is potentially available to the Commission, including imposing a fine and/or injunctive relief prohibiting or restricting certain business practices. It is difficult to predict the outcome of this matter or what remedies, if any, may be imposed by the Commission. The Company believes that its business practices do not violate the EU competition rules.
European Commission (Commission) Investigation: On October 15, 2014, the Commission notified the Company that it is conducting an investigation of the Company relating to Articles 101 and/or 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). On July 16, 2015, the Commission announced that it had initiated formal proceedings in this matter. On December 8, 2015, the Commission announced that it had issued a Statement of Objections expressing its preliminary view that since 2011 the Company has paid significant amounts to a customer on condition that it exclusively use the Company’s baseband chipsets in its smartphones and tablets. This conduct has allegedly reduced the customer’s incentives to source chipsets from the Company’s competitors and harmed competition and innovation for certain baseband chipsets. A Statement of Objections informs the subject of the investigation of the allegations against it and provides an opportunity to respond to such allegations. It is not a determination of the final outcome of the investigation. If a violation is found, a broad range of remedies is potentially available to the Commission, including imposing a fine and/or injunctive relief prohibiting or restricting certain business practices. It is difficult to predict the outcome of this matter or what remedies, if any, may be imposed by the Commission. The Company believes that its business practices do not violate the EU competition rules.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Formal Order of Private Investigation and Department of Justice Investigation: On September 8, 2010, the Company was notified by the SEC’s Los Angeles Regional office of a formal order of private investigation. The Company understands that the investigation arose from a “whistleblower’s” allegations made in December 2009 to the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and to the SEC. In 2010, the audit committee completed an internal review of the allegations with the assistance of independent counsel and independent forensic accountants. This internal review into the whistleblower’s allegations and related accounting practices did not identify any errors in the Company’s financial statements. On January 27, 2012, the Company learned that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California/Department of Justice (collectively, DOJ) had begun an investigation regarding the Company’s compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). As discussed below, FCPA compliance is also the focus of the SEC investigation. The audit committee conducted an internal review of the Company’s compliance with the FCPA and its related policies and procedures with the assistance of independent counsel and independent forensic accountants. The audit committee has completed this comprehensive review, made findings consistent with the Company’s findings described below and suggested enhancements to the Company’s overall FCPA compliance program. In part as a result of the audit committee’s review, the Company has made and continues to make enhancements to its FCPA compliance program, including implementation of the audit committee’s recommendations.
As previously disclosed, the Company discovered, and as a part of its cooperation with these investigations informed the SEC and the DOJ of, instances in which special hiring consideration, gifts or other benefits (collectively, benefits) were provided to several individuals associated with Chinese state-owned companies or agencies. Based on the facts currently known, the Company believes the aggregate monetary value of the benefits in question to be less than $250,000, excluding employment compensation.
On March 13, 2014, the Company received a Wells Notice from the SEC’s Los Angeles Regional Office indicating that the staff has made a preliminary determination to recommend that the SEC file an enforcement action against the Company for violations of the anti-bribery, books and records and internal control provisions of the FCPA. The bribery allegations relate to benefits offered or provided to individuals associated with Chinese state-owned companies or agencies. The Wells Notice indicated that the recommendation could involve a civil injunctive action and could seek remedies that include disgorgement of profits, the retention of an independent compliance monitor to review the Company’s FCPA policies and procedures, an injunction, civil monetary penalties and prejudgment interest.
A Wells Notice is not a formal allegation or finding by the SEC of wrongdoing or violation of law. Rather, the purpose of a Wells Notice is to give the recipient an opportunity to make a “Wells submission” setting forth reasons why the proposed enforcement action should not be filed and/or bringing additional facts to the SEC’s attention before any decision is made by the SEC as to whether to commence a proceeding. On April 4, 2014 and May 29, 2014, the Company made Wells submissions to the staff of the Los Angeles Regional Office explaining why the Company believes it has not violated the FCPA and therefore enforcement action is not warranted.
On November 19, 2015, the DOJ notified the Company that it was terminating its investigation and would not pursue charges in this matter. The DOJ’s decision is independent of the SEC’s investigation, with which we continue to cooperate.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Investigation: On September 17, 2014, the FTC notified the Company that it is conducting an investigation of the Company relating to Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA). The FTC has notified the Company that it is investigating conduct related to standard essential patents and pricing and contracting practices with respect to baseband processors and related products. If a violation of Section 5 is found, a broad range of remedies is potentially available to the FTC, including imposing a fine or requiring modifications to the Company’s business practices. At this stage of the investigation, it is difficult to predict the outcome of this matter or what remedies, if any, may be imposed by the FTC. The Company believes that its business practices do not violate the FTCA. The Company continues to cooperate with the FTC as it conducts its investigation.
Taiwan Fair Trade Commission (TFTC) Investigation: On December 4, 2015, the TFTC notified the Company that it is conducting an investigation into whether the Company’s patent licensing arrangements violate the Taiwan Fair Trade Act (TFTA). If a violation is found, a broad range of remedies is potentially available to the TFTC, including imposing a fine or requiring modifications to the Company’s business practices. At this stage of the investigation, it is difficult to predict the outcome of this matter or what remedies, if any, may be imposed by the TFTC. The Company believes that its business practices do not violate the TFTA. The Company continues to cooperate with the TFTC as it conducts its investigation.
The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself in the foregoing matters. However, litigation and investigations are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters. Other than a nominal amount, the Company has not recorded any accrual at December 27, 2015 for contingent losses associated with these matters based on its belief that losses, while possible, are not probable. Further, any possible range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. The Company is engaged in numerous other legal actions not described above arising in the ordinary course of its business and, while there can be no assurance, believes that the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Indemnifications. The Company generally does not indemnify its customers and licensees for losses sustained from infringement of third-party intellectual property rights. However, the Company is contingently liable under certain product sales, services, license and other agreements to indemnify certain customers against certain types of liability and/or damages arising from qualifying claims of patent, copyright, trademark or trade secret infringement by products or services sold or provided by the Company. The Company’s obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time and/or amount, and in some instances, the Company may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by the Company. Through December 27, 2015, the Company has received a number of claims from its direct and indirect customers and other third parties for indemnification under such agreements with respect to alleged infringement of third-party intellectual property rights by its products.
Reimbursements under indemnification arrangements have not been material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has not recorded any accrual for contingent liabilities at December 27, 2015 associated with these indemnification arrangements, other than nominal amounts, based on the Company’s belief that additional liabilities, while possible, are not probable. Further, any possible range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
Purchase Obligations. The Company has agreements with suppliers and other parties to purchase inventory, other goods and services and long-lived assets. Obligations under these agreements at December 27, 2015 for the remainder of fiscal 2016 and for each of the subsequent four years from fiscal 2017 through 2020 were $3.2 billion, $891 million, $739 million, $718 million and $196 million, respectively, and $14 million thereafter. Of these amounts, for the remainder of fiscal 2016 and for each of the subsequent four years from fiscal 2017 through 2020, commitments to purchase integrated circuit product inventories comprised $2.6 billion, $742 million, $698 million, $699 million and $177 million, respectively, and there were no purchase commitments thereafter. Integrated circuit product inventory obligations represent purchase commitments for semiconductor die, finished goods and manufacturing services, such as wafer bump, probe, assembly and final test. Under the Company’s manufacturing relationships with its foundry suppliers and assembly and test service providers, cancellation of outstanding purchase commitments is generally allowed but requires payment of costs incurred through the date of cancellation, and in some cases, incremental fees related to capacity underutilization.
Operating Leases. The Company leases certain of its land, facilities and equipment under noncancellable operating leases, with terms ranging from less than one year to 21 years and with provisions in certain leases for cost-of-living increases. Future minimum lease payments at December 27, 2015 for the remainder of fiscal 2016 and for each of the subsequent four years from fiscal 2017 through 2020 were $75 million, $78 million, $45 million, $30 million and $20 million, respectively, and $27 million thereafter.
Other Commitments. At December 27, 2015, the Company was committed to fund certain strategic investments up to $431 million. Of this amount, $197 million is expected to be funded in the remainder of fiscal 2016. The remaining commitments represent the maximum amounts that do not have fixed funding dates and/or are subject to certain conditions. Actual funding may be in lesser amounts or not at all.
v3.3.1.900
Segment Information (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
Note 7. Segment Information
The Company is organized on the basis of products and services. The Company conducts business primarily through two reportable segments: QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies) and QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing), and its QSI (Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives) reportable segment makes strategic investments and includes revenues and related costs associated with development contracts with an equity method investee. The Company also has nonreportable segments, including its small cells, data center and other wireless technology and service initiatives.
The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on earnings (loss) before income taxes (EBT) from continuing operations. Segment EBT includes the allocation of certain corporate expenses to the segments, including depreciation and amortization expense related to unallocated corporate assets. Certain income and charges are not allocated to segments in the Company’s management reports because they are not considered in evaluating the segments’ operating performance. Unallocated income and charges include certain interest expense; certain net investment income; certain share-based compensation; and certain research and development expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses and other expenses or income that were deemed to be not directly related to the businesses of the segments. Additionally, unallocated charges include amortization and impairment of certain intangible assets, recognition of the step-up of inventories to fair value and certain other acquisition-related charges, third-party acquisition and integration services costs and certain other items, which may include major restructuring and restructuring-related costs, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges and litigation settlements and/or damages.
Segment assets are comprised of accounts receivable and inventories for all reportable segments other than QSI. QSI segment assets include certain marketable securities, notes receivable, other investments and all assets of consolidated subsidiaries included in QSI. The increase in QSI assets was primarily a result of a receivable that was recorded in connection with the sale of wireless spectrum during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 (Note 2). Total segment assets differ from total assets on a consolidated basis as a result of unallocated corporate assets primarily comprised of certain cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, property, plant and equipment, deferred tax assets, intangible assets and assets of nonreportable segments.
The table below presents revenues, EBT and total assets for reportable segments (in millions):
 
QCT
 
QTL
 
QSI
 
Reconciling
Items
 
Total
For the three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
4,096

 
$
1,607

 
$
9

 
$
63

 
$
5,775

EBT
590

 
1,339

 
359

 
(578
)
 
1,710

December 28, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
5,242

 
$
1,816

 
$

 
$
41

 
$
7,099

EBT
1,146

 
1,579

 
(1
)
 
(426
)
 
2,298

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
2,132

 
346

 
924

 
46,827

 
50,229

September 27, 2015
2,923

 
438

 
812

 
46,623

 
50,796


Reconciling items in the previous table were as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
Nonreportable segments
$
64

 
$
43

Intersegment eliminations
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
$
63

 
$
41

EBT
 
 
 
Unallocated cost of equipment and services revenues
$
(150
)
 
$
(79
)
Unallocated research and development expenses
(216
)
 
(210
)
Unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses
(127
)
 
(150
)
Unallocated other expense, net
(6
)
 
(69
)
Unallocated interest expense
(70
)
 

Unallocated investment income, net
114

 
231

Nonreportable segments
(124
)
 
(148
)
Intersegment eliminations
1

 
(1
)
 
$
(578
)
 
$
(426
)

Unallocated other expense for the three months ended December 27, 2015 was comprised of net restructuring and restructuring-related charges related to the Company’s Strategic Realignment Plan (Note 9). Unallocated other expense for the three months ended December 28, 2014 was comprised of a goodwill impairment charge related to the Company’s business that provides push-to-talk enablement services to wireless operators (Note 2).
Unallocated acquisition-related expenses were comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Cost of equipment and services revenues
$
140

 
$
67

Research and development expenses
3

 
4

Selling, general and administrative expenses
29

 
12

v3.3.1.900
Acquisitions (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]  
Acquisitions
Note 8. Acquisitions
During the three months ended December 27, 2015, the Company acquired three businesses for total cash consideration of $407 million, net of cash acquired. Technology-based intangible assets recognized in the amount of $248 million are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average useful life of five years. The Company recognized $172 million in goodwill related to these transactions, all of which was assigned to the Company’s QCT segment and of which $23 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
v3.3.1.900
Strategic Realignment Plan (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Strategic Realignment Plan [Abstract]  
Strategic Realignment Plan
Note 9. Strategic Realignment Plan
On July 22, 2015, the Company announced a Strategic Realignment Plan designed to improve execution, enhance financial performance and drive profitable growth as the Company works to create sustainable long-term value for stockholders. As part of this, among other actions, the Company is implementing a cost reduction plan, which includes a series of targeted reductions across the Company’s businesses, particularly in QCT, and a reduction to its annual share-based compensation grants. The Company expects these cost reduction initiatives to be substantially implemented by the end of fiscal 2016. During the three months ended December 27, 2015, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $51 million, including consulting costs of $25 million and severance costs of $23 million, restructuring-related charges of $3 million and a $48 million gain on the sale of the Company’s business that provided augmented reality applications, since such sale was executed in connection with the Strategic Realignment Plan, and all of which were included in other income (Note 2) in reconciling items (Note 7). Restructuring activities were initiated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, and a total of $196 million in net restructuring and restructuring-related charges were incurred through the first quarter of fiscal 2016. In connection with this plan, the Company expects to incur additional restructuring and restructuring-related charges of approximately $100 million to $200 million, which primarily consist of severance and consulting costs. The remaining costs are expected to be incurred in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017, and the majority are expected to be settled in cash.
The restructuring accrual, a portion of which is included in payroll and other benefits related liabilities with the remainder included in other current liabilities, is expected to be substantially paid within the next 12 months. Changes in the restructuring accrual during the three months ended December 27, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
 
Severance Costs
 
Other Costs
 
Total
Beginning balance of restructuring accrual
$
122

 
$
31

 
$
153

Additional costs
27

 
28

 
55

Cash payments
(15
)
 
(44
)
 
(59
)
   Adjustments
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Ending balance of restructuring accrual
$
130

 
$
15

 
$
145

v3.3.1.900
Fair Value Measurements (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 27, 2015 (in millions):
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
2,364

 
$
3,847

 
$

 
$
6,211

Marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
89

 
914

 

 
1,003

Corporate bonds and notes

 
15,810

 

 
15,810

Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities

 
1,743

 
174

 
1,917

Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
1,119

 
376

 

 
1,495

Debt funds

 
3,453

 

 
3,453

Total marketable securities
1,208

 
22,296

 
174

 
23,678

Derivative instruments

 
18

 

 
18

Other investments
306

 

 

 
306

Total assets measured at fair value
$
3,878

 
$
26,161

 
$
174

 
$
30,213

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
6

Other liabilities
306

 

 

 
306

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
306

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
312


Activity between Levels of the Fair Value Hierarchy. There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. The following table includes the activity for mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Beginning balance of Level 3
$
224

 
$
269

Total realized and unrealized gains or losses:
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
(1
)
 

Purchases

 
29

Sales
(1
)
 
(24
)
Settlements
(36
)
 
(44
)
Transfers out of Level 3
(12
)
 

Ending balance of Level 3
$
174

 
$
230


The Company recognizes transfers into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the end of the fiscal month in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. Transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 27, 2015 primarily consisted of debt securities with significant upgrades in credit ratings or for which there were observable inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 28, 2014.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements. The Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets include cost and equity method investments when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquisition or in a nonmonetary exchange, and property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that are written down to fair value when they are held for sale or determined to be impaired. During the three months ended December 28, 2014, the Company updated the business plans and related internal forecasts related to one of the Company’s businesses, resulting in an impairment charge to write down goodwill (Note 2). The Company determined the fair value using an income approach. The estimation of fair value and cash flows used in the fair value measurement required the use of significant unobservable inputs, and as a result, the fair value measurement was classified as Level 3. During the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company did not have any other significant assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition.
v3.3.1.900
Marketable Securities (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]  
Marketable Securities
Note 11. Marketable Securities
Marketable securities were comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Current
 
Noncurrent
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
Trading:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
$

 
$

 
$
61

 
$
12

Corporate bonds and notes

 

 
300

 
364

Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities

 

 
279

 
242

Total trading

 

 
640

 
618

Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
160

 
156

 
782

 
691

Corporate bonds and notes
7,942

 
7,926

 
7,568

 
7,112

Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities
1,339

 
1,302

 
299

 
263

Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
174

 
377

 
1,321

 
1,253

Debt funds

 

 
2,870

 
2,909

Total available-for-sale
9,615

 
9,761

 
12,840

 
12,228

Fair value option:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt fund

 

 
583

 
780

Total marketable securities
$
9,615

 
$
9,761

 
$
14,063

 
$
13,626


The Company holds an investment in a debt fund for which the Company elected the fair value option because the Company is able to redeem its shares at net asset value, which is determined daily. The investment would have otherwise been recorded using the equity method. The debt fund has no single maturity date. At December 27, 2015, the Company had an effective ownership interest in the debt fund of 22%. Changes in fair value associated with this investment are recognized in net investment income. During the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the changes in fair value associated with this investment were negligible.
The Company classifies certain portfolios of debt securities that utilize derivative instruments to acquire or reduce foreign exchange, interest rate and/or equity, prepayment and credit risks as trading. Net losses recognized on debt securities classified as trading held at December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 were negligible and $12 million during the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
At December 27, 2015, the contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows (in millions):
Years to Maturity
 
 
 
 
Less Than
One Year
 
One to
Five Years
 
Five to
Ten Years
 
Greater Than
Ten Years
 
No Single
Maturity
Date
 
Total
$
3,142

 
$
10,947

 
$
1,721

 
$
643

 
$
4,507

 
$
20,960


Debt securities with no single maturity date included debt funds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities and auction rate securities.
The Company recorded realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities as follows (in millions):
 
Gross Realized Gains
 
Gross Realized Losses
 
Net Realized Gains
For the three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
$
50

 
$
(12
)
 
$
38

December 28, 2014
180

 
(8
)
 
172


Available-for-sale securities were comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
December 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
1,266

 
$
251

 
$
(22
)
 
$
1,495

Debt securities (including debt funds)
21,234

 
132

 
(406
)
 
20,960

 
$
22,500

 
$
383

 
$
(428
)
 
$
22,455

September 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
1,394

 
$
264

 
$
(28
)
 
$
1,630

Debt securities (including debt funds)
20,459

 
185

 
(285
)
 
20,359

 
$
21,853

 
$
449

 
$
(313
)
 
$
21,989


The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company’s investments in individual securities that are classified as available-for-sale and have been in a continuous unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary for less than 12 months and for more than 12 months, aggregated by investment category (in millions):
 
December 27, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
$
808

 
$
(12
)
 
$
20

 
$
(2
)
Corporate bonds and notes
10,466

 
(132
)
 
956

 
(108
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities
1,220

 
(7
)
 
164

 
(1
)
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
360

 
(22
)
 
2

 

Debt funds
1,923

 
(138
)
 
79

 
(6
)
 
$
14,777

 
$
(311
)
 
$
1,221

 
$
(117
)
 
September 27, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
$
304

 
$
(4
)
 
$

 
$

Corporate bonds and notes
7,656

 
(93
)
 
368

 
(62
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities
862

 
(3
)
 
108

 
(1
)
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
392

 
(28
)
 
17

 

Debt funds
1,792

 
(117
)
 
124

 
(5
)
 
$
11,006

 
$
(245
)
 
$
617

 
$
(68
)

At December 27, 2015, the Company concluded that the unrealized losses on its available-for-sale securities were temporary. Further, for common stock and for equity and debt funds with unrealized losses, the Company has the ability and the intent to hold such securities until they recover, which is expected to be within a reasonable period of time. For debt securities and preferred stock with unrealized losses, the Company does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, such securities before recovery or maturity.
The ending balance of the credit loss portion of other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities held by the Company was $22 million and negligible at December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
v3.3.1.900
Subsequent Event (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Subsequent Event [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
Note 12. Subsequent Event
In January 2016, the Company announced that it had reached agreement with TDK Corporation to form a joint venture, under the name RF360 Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd., to enable delivery of radio frequency front-end (RFFE) modules and RF filters into fully integrated products for mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, among others. The joint venture will initially be owned 51% by the Company and 49% by TDK. Certain intellectual property, patents and filter and module design and manufacturing assets will be carved out of existing TDK businesses and be acquired by the joint venture, with certain assets acquired by the Company. The purchase price of the Company’s interest in the joint venture and the assets to be transferred to the Company is $1.2 billion, to be adjusted for working capital, outstanding indebtedness and certain capital expenditures, among other things. Additionally, the Company has the option to acquire (and TDK has an option to sell) TDK’s interest in the joint venture for $1.15 billion 30 months after the closing date. TDK will be entitled to up to a total of $200 million in payments based on sales of RF filter functions over the three-year period after the closing date, which is a substitute for and in lieu of any right of TDK to receive any profit sharing, distributions, dividends or other payments of any kind or nature. The transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and other closing conditions and is expected to close by early 2017.
v3.3.1.900
Basis of Presentation (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]  
Fiscal Period, Policy
The Company operates and reports using a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. Each of the three-month periods ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 included 13 weeks.
Use of Estimates, Policy
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Earnings Per Share, Policy
Earnings Per Common Share. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income attributable to Qualcomm by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income attributable to Qualcomm by the combination of dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Company’s share-based compensation plans and shares subject to written put options and/or accelerated share repurchase agreements, if any, and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share equivalents, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of an award, if any, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, if any, and the estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in paid-in capital when an award is settled, if any, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares in the current period. The dilutive common share equivalents, calculated using the treasury stock method, for the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 were 14,430,000 and 25,003,000, respectively. Shares of common stock equivalents outstanding that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the effect would be anti-dilutive or certain performance conditions were not satisfied at the end of the period were 1,172,000 and 1,470,000 during the three months ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Policy
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue upon transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the expected consideration to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step approach for recognizing revenue, which may require a company to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. The new standard will be effective for the Company starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The FASB will permit entities to adopt one year earlier if they choose (i.e., the original effective date). The new standard allows for two methods of adoption: (a) full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or (b) modified retrospective adoption, meaning the cumulative effect of applying the new standard is recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance. The Company does not intend to adopt the standard early and is in the process of determining the adoption method as well as the effects the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The new accounting guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of interim or annual reporting periods. The Company plans to adopt the standard prospectively in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which requires that (i) all equity investments, other than equity-method investments, in unconsolidated entities generally be measured at fair value through earnings and (ii) when the fair value option has been elected for financial liabilities, changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. Additionally, the ASU changes the disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The new standard will be effective for the Company starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. The Company is in the process of determining the effects the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as whether to adopt certain provisions early.
v3.3.1.900
Marketable Securities (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]  
Marketable Securities, Trading Securities
The Company classifies certain portfolios of debt securities that utilize derivative instruments to acquire or reduce foreign exchange, interest rate and/or equity, prepayment and credit risks as trading
v3.3.1.900
Basis of Presentation (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]  
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
Total share-based compensation expense, related to all of the Company’s share-based awards, was comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Cost of equipment and services revenues
$
10

 
$
12

Research and development
165

 
174

Selling, general and administrative
72

 
87

Share-based compensation expense before income taxes
247

 
273

Related income tax benefit
(60
)
 
(44
)
 
$
187

 
$
229

v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable (in millions)
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
 
September 27, 2015
Trade, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1 and $6, respectively
$
1,302

 
$
1,941

Long-term contracts
13

 
11

Other
8

 
12

 
$
1,323

 
$
1,964

Inventories
Inventories (in millions)
 
 
 
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
Raw materials
$
1

 
$
1

Work-in-process
458

 
550

Finished goods
757

 
941

 
$
1,216

 
$
1,492

Other Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities (in millions)
 
 
 
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
Customer incentives and other customer-related liabilities
$
2,188

 
$
1,894

Other
422

 
462

 
$
2,610

 
$
2,356

Investment Income, net
Investment Income, Net (in millions)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Interest and dividend income
$
136

 
$
134

Net realized gains on marketable securities
43

 
156

Net realized gains on other investments
6

 
10

Impairment losses on marketable securities
(49
)
 
(62
)
Impairment losses on other investments
(14
)
 
(3
)
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
(3
)
 
4

Equity in net losses of investees
(20
)
 
(4
)
 
$
99

 
$
235

v3.3.1.900
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]  
Changes in Stockholders Equity
Changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended December 27, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
 
Qualcomm Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at September 27, 2015
$
31,421

 
$
(7
)
 
$
31,414

Net income (loss)
1,498

 
(2
)
 
1,496

Other comprehensive loss
(126
)
 

 
(126
)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans and related tax benefits
70

 

 
70

Share-based compensation
260

 

 
260

Tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based payments
(102
)
 

 
(102
)
Dividends
(730
)
 

 
(730
)
Stock repurchases
(2,050
)
 

 
(2,050
)
Issuance of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interest

 
1

 
1

Balance at December 27, 2015
$
30,241

 
$
(8
)
 
$
30,233

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Other comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, other than net income and including foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities and derivative instruments. Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes, in Qualcomm stockholders’ equity during the three months ended December 27, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Noncredit Other-than-Temporary Impairment Losses and Subsequent Changes in Fair Value for Certain Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Other Available-for-Sale Securities
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at September 27, 2015
$
(160
)
 
$
4

 
$
297

 
$
54

 
$
195

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(14
)
 
(11
)
 
(109
)
 
1

 
(133
)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
1

 
(3
)
 
9

 

 
7

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(13
)
 
(14
)
 
(100
)
 
1

 
(126
)
Balance at December 27, 2015
$
(173
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
197

 
$
55

 
$
69

v3.3.1.900
Debt (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of long-term debt
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s long-term debt (dollar amounts in millions):
 
December 27, 2015
 
September 27, 2015
 
Amount
 
Effective
Rate
 
Amount
 
Effective
Rate
Floating-rate notes due May 18, 2018
$
250

 
0.70%
 
$
250

 
0.66%
Floating-rate notes due May 20, 2020
250

 
0.98%
 
250

 
0.94%
Fixed-rate 1.40% notes due May 18, 2018
1,250

 
0.71%
 
1,250

 
0.43%
Fixed-rate 2.25% notes due May 20, 2020
1,750

 
1.71%
 
1,750

 
1.62%
Fixed-rate 3.00% notes due May 20, 2022
2,000

 
2.14%
 
2,000

 
2.08%
Fixed-rate 3.45% notes due May 20, 2025
2,000

 
3.46%
 
2,000

 
3.46%
Fixed-rate 4.65% notes due May 20, 2035
1,000

 
4.74%
 
1,000

 
4.74%
Fixed-rate 4.80% notes due May 20, 2045
1,500

 
4.71%
 
1,500

 
4.71%
Total principal
10,000

 
 
 
10,000

 
 
Unamortized discount, including debt issuance costs
(62
)
 
 
 
(63
)
 
 
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments
12

 
 
 
32

 
 
Total long-term debt
$
9,950

 
 
 
$
9,969

 
 
v3.3.1.900
Segment Information (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Revenues and EBT for reportable segments
The table below presents revenues, EBT and total assets for reportable segments (in millions):
 
QCT
 
QTL
 
QSI
 
Reconciling
Items
 
Total
For the three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
4,096

 
$
1,607

 
$
9

 
$
63

 
$
5,775

EBT
590

 
1,339

 
359

 
(578
)
 
1,710

December 28, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
5,242

 
$
1,816

 
$

 
$
41

 
$
7,099

EBT
1,146

 
1,579

 
(1
)
 
(426
)
 
2,298

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
2,132

 
346

 
924

 
46,827

 
50,229

September 27, 2015
2,923

 
438

 
812

 
46,623

 
50,796

Reconciling items for reportable segments - revenues
Reconciling items in the previous table were as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
Nonreportable segments
$
64

 
$
43

Intersegment eliminations
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
$
63

 
$
41

EBT
 
 
 
Unallocated cost of equipment and services revenues
$
(150
)
 
$
(79
)
Unallocated research and development expenses
(216
)
 
(210
)
Unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses
(127
)
 
(150
)
Unallocated other expense, net
(6
)
 
(69
)
Unallocated interest expense
(70
)
 

Unallocated investment income, net
114

 
231

Nonreportable segments
(124
)
 
(148
)
Intersegment eliminations
1

 
(1
)
 
$
(578
)
 
$
(426
)
Reconciling items for reportable segments - EBT
Unallocated acquisition-related expenses were comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Cost of equipment and services revenues
$
140

 
$
67

Research and development expenses
3

 
4

Selling, general and administrative expenses
29

 
12

Reconciling items in the previous table were as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
Nonreportable segments
$
64

 
$
43

Intersegment eliminations
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
$
63

 
$
41

EBT
 
 
 
Unallocated cost of equipment and services revenues
$
(150
)
 
$
(79
)
Unallocated research and development expenses
(216
)
 
(210
)
Unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses
(127
)
 
(150
)
Unallocated other expense, net
(6
)
 
(69
)
Unallocated interest expense
(70
)
 

Unallocated investment income, net
114

 
231

Nonreportable segments
(124
)
 
(148
)
Intersegment eliminations
1

 
(1
)
 
$
(578
)
 
$
(426
)
v3.3.1.900
Strategic Realignment Plan (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Strategic Realignment Plan [Abstract]  
Restructuring and Related Costs
The restructuring accrual, a portion of which is included in payroll and other benefits related liabilities with the remainder included in other current liabilities, is expected to be substantially paid within the next 12 months. Changes in the restructuring accrual during the three months ended December 27, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
 
Severance Costs
 
Other Costs
 
Total
Beginning balance of restructuring accrual
$
122

 
$
31

 
$
153

Additional costs
27

 
28

 
55

Cash payments
(15
)
 
(44
)
 
(59
)
   Adjustments
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Ending balance of restructuring accrual
$
130

 
$
15

 
$
145

v3.3.1.900
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 27, 2015 (in millions):
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
2,364

 
$
3,847

 
$

 
$
6,211

Marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
89

 
914

 

 
1,003

Corporate bonds and notes

 
15,810

 

 
15,810

Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities

 
1,743

 
174

 
1,917

Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
1,119

 
376

 

 
1,495

Debt funds

 
3,453

 

 
3,453

Total marketable securities
1,208

 
22,296

 
174

 
23,678

Derivative instruments

 
18

 

 
18

Other investments
306

 

 

 
306

Total assets measured at fair value
$
3,878

 
$
26,161

 
$
174

 
$
30,213

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments
$

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
6

Other liabilities
306

 

 

 
306

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
306

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
312


Activity for marketable securities classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy
The following table includes the activity for mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
December 27,
2015
 
December 28,
2014
Beginning balance of Level 3
$
224

 
$
269

Total realized and unrealized gains or losses:
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
(1
)
 

Purchases

 
29

Sales
(1
)
 
(24
)
Settlements
(36
)
 
(44
)
Transfers out of Level 3
(12
)
 

Ending balance of Level 3
$
174

 
$
230


v3.3.1.900
Marketable Securities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]  
Composition of marketable securities
Marketable securities were comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Current
 
Noncurrent
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
 
December 27,
2015
 
September 27,
2015
Trading:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
$

 
$

 
$
61

 
$
12

Corporate bonds and notes

 

 
300

 
364

Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities

 

 
279

 
242

Total trading

 

 
640

 
618

Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
160

 
156

 
782

 
691

Corporate bonds and notes
7,942

 
7,926

 
7,568

 
7,112

Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities
1,339

 
1,302

 
299

 
263

Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
174

 
377

 
1,321

 
1,253

Debt funds

 

 
2,870

 
2,909

Total available-for-sale
9,615

 
9,761

 
12,840

 
12,228

Fair value option:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt fund

 

 
583

 
780

Total marketable securities
$
9,615

 
$
9,761

 
$
14,063

 
$
13,626

Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
At December 27, 2015, the contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows (in millions):
Years to Maturity
 
 
 
 
Less Than
One Year
 
One to
Five Years
 
Five to
Ten Years
 
Greater Than
Ten Years
 
No Single
Maturity
Date
 
Total
$
3,142

 
$
10,947

 
$
1,721

 
$
643

 
$
4,507

 
$
20,960

Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities
The Company recorded realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities as follows (in millions):
 
Gross Realized Gains
 
Gross Realized Losses
 
Net Realized Gains
For the three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2015
$
50

 
$
(12
)
 
$
38

December 28, 2014
180

 
(8
)
 
172

Composition of available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities were comprised as follows (in millions):
 
Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
December 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
1,266

 
$
251

 
$
(22
)
 
$
1,495

Debt securities (including debt funds)
21,234

 
132

 
(406
)
 
20,960

 
$
22,500

 
$
383

 
$
(428
)
 
$
22,455

September 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
1,394

 
$
264

 
$
(28
)
 
$
1,630

Debt securities (including debt funds)
20,459

 
185

 
(285
)
 
20,359

 
$
21,853

 
$
449

 
$
(313
)
 
$
21,989

Gross unrealized losses and fair values of investments in individual securities classified as available-for-sale in a continuous unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company’s investments in individual securities that are classified as available-for-sale and have been in a continuous unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary for less than 12 months and for more than 12 months, aggregated by investment category (in millions):
 
December 27, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
$
808

 
$
(12
)
 
$
20

 
$
(2
)
Corporate bonds and notes
10,466

 
(132
)
 
956

 
(108
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities
1,220

 
(7
)
 
164

 
(1
)
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
360

 
(22
)
 
2

 

Debt funds
1,923

 
(138
)
 
79

 
(6
)
 
$
14,777

 
$
(311
)
 
$
1,221

 
$
(117
)
 
September 27, 2015
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities
$
304

 
$
(4
)
 
$

 
$

Corporate bonds and notes
7,656

 
(93
)
 
368

 
(62
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities
862

 
(3
)
 
108

 
(1
)
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds
392

 
(28
)
 
17

 

Debt funds
1,792

 
(117
)
 
124

 
(5
)
 
$
11,006

 
$
(245
)
 
$
617

 
$
(68
)
v3.3.1.900
Basis of Presentation Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]    
Dilutive common share equivalents 14,430,000 25,003,000
Common share equivalents excluded from computation of diluted EPS 1,172,000 1,470,000
v3.3.1.900
Basis of Presentation Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes $ 247 $ 273
Related income tax benefit (60) (44)
Share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes 187 229
Share-based compensation expense related to share-based awards granted during the period 31 $ 31
Restricted Stock [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock units $ 1,600  
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock units is expected to be recognized 2 years 2 months  
Equity Compensation Plans Consolidated [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Net share based awards granted in fiscal year, after forfeitures and cancellations as percent of total outstanding shares at beginning of fiscal period 0.70% 0.40%
Total share based awards granted in fiscal year as percent of total outstanding shares at end of fiscal period 0.90% 0.40%
Cost of equipment and services revenues [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes $ 10 $ 12
Research and development [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes 165 174
Selling, general and administrative [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes $ 72 $ 87
v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]    
Trade, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1 and $6, respectively $ 1,302 $ 1,941
Long-term contracts 13 11
Other 8 12
Accounts receivable, net 1,323 1,964
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade receivables $ 1 $ 6
v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]    
Raw materials $ 1 $ 1
Work-in-process 458 550
Finished goods 757 941
Inventories $ 1,216 $ 1,492
v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]    
Customer incentives and other customer-related liabilities $ 2,188 $ 1,894
Other 422 462
Other current liabilities $ 2,610 $ 2,356
v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items Other Income, Costs and Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Proceeds from sale of wireless spectrum $ 232 $ 0
Deferred payments 275  
Realized gain on sale of wireless spectrum 380 0
Restructuring and restructuring related charges 54  
Gain on sale of business $ 48  
Goodwill impairment charge   69
Gain on sale of certain property, plant and equipment   $ 16
Minimum [Member]    
Deferred payments, Due date Jan. 01, 2020  
Maximum [Member]    
Deferred payments, Due date Dec. 31, 2023  
v3.3.1.900
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items Investment Income, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Investment Income, Net [Abstract]    
Interest and dividend income $ 136 $ 134
Net realized gains on marketable securities 43 156
Net realized gains on other investments 6 10
Impairment losses on marketable securities (49) (62)
Impairment losses on other investments (14) (3)
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments (3) 4
Equity in net losses of investees (20) (4)
Investment income, net $ 99 $ 235
v3.3.1.900
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Mar. 29, 2015
Sep. 25, 2016
Sep. 27, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Effective income tax rate 13.00%     19.00%
Tax benefits from foreign income taxed at rates lower than rates in the United States       14.00%
Tax benefit recognized in period related to prior period attributable to research tax credit $ 79      
Government fine amount   $ 975    
Unrecognized Tax Benefits $ 113     $ 40
Scenario, Forecast [Member]        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Effective income tax rate     17.00%  
Tax benefits from foreign income taxed at rates lower than rates in the United States     16.00%  
v3.3.1.900
Stockholders' Equity Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period $ 31,414  
Net Income attributable to Qualcomm 1,498 $ 1,972
Net Loss attributable to noncontrolling Interest (2) (1)
Net income 1,496 1,971
Other comprehensive loss (126) (206)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans and related tax benefits 70  
Share-based compensation 260  
Tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based payments (102)  
Dividends (730) (710)
Stock repurchases (2,050) $ (1,660)
Issuance of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interest 1  
Balance at end of the period 30,233  
Parent [Member]    
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period 31,421  
Net Income attributable to Qualcomm 1,498  
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Qualcomm (126)  
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans and related tax benefits 70  
Share-based compensation 260  
Tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based payments (102)  
Dividends (730)  
Stock repurchases (2,050)  
Balance at end of the period 30,241  
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]    
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period (7)  
Net Loss attributable to noncontrolling Interest (2)  
Issuance of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interest 1  
Balance at end of the period $ (8)  
v3.3.1.900
Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Investment income, net $ 99 $ 235
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 195  
Balance at end of period 69  
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period (160)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (14)  
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (13)  
Balance at end of period (173)  
Noncredit Other-than-Temporary Impairment Losses and Subsequent Changes in Fair Value for Certain Available-for-Sale Debt Securities [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 4  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (11)  
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (3)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (14)  
Balance at end of period (10)  
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Other Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 297  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (109)  
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 9  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (100)  
Balance at end of period 197  
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 54  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications 1  
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 0  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1  
Balance at end of period 55  
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 195  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (133)  
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 7  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (126)  
Balance at end of period 69  
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Investment income, net $ 6 $ 71
v3.3.1.900
Stockholders' Equity Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Mar. 09, 2015
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]      
Authorized Amount     $ 15,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, Shares 36,606,000 22,940,000  
Stock repurchased and retired during period, Value $ 2,050 $ 1,660  
Remaining Authorized Amount $ 4,900    
v3.3.1.900
Stockholders' Equity Dividends (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 2 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Jan. 12, 2016
Mar. 02, 2016
Mar. 23, 2016
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Dividends [Line Items]          
Dividends per share announced       $ 0.48 $ 0.42
Dividends charged to retained earnings       $ 730 $ 710
Subsequent Event [Member]          
Dividends [Line Items]          
Dividends per share announced $ 0.48        
Dividends Payable, Date declared Jan. 12, 2016        
Dividends Payable, Date to be paid     Mar. 23, 2016    
Dividends Payable, Date of record   Mar. 02, 2016      
v3.3.1.900
Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]      
Revolving Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity $ 4,000    
Revolving Credit Facility, Expiration Date Feb. 18, 2020    
Revolving Credit Facility, Covenant Terms maintain a ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to consolidated interest expense, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, of not less than three to one at the end of each fiscal quarter    
Revolving Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance the Company was in compliance with the covenants the Company was in compliance with the covenants  
Commercial Paper Program [Abstract]      
Commercial Paper, Amount Outstanding $ 1,000 $ 1,000  
Commercial Paper [Member]      
Commercial Paper Program [Abstract]      
Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity 4,000    
Commercial Paper, Amount Outstanding $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 0
Commercial Paper, Weighted Average Interest Rate 0.25% 0.19%  
Minimum [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]      
Commercial Paper Program [Abstract]      
Commercial Paper, Term 1 day    
Maximum [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]      
Commercial Paper Program [Abstract]      
Commercial Paper, Term 397 days    
Weighted Average [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]      
Commercial Paper Program [Abstract]      
Commercial Paper, Weighted Average Remaining Term 30 days 38 days  
v3.3.1.900
Debt Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 0
Unamortized discount, including debt issuance costs (62) (63)  
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments 12 32  
Total long-term debt 9,950 9,969  
Long-term Debt, Fair value 9,600 $ 9,600  
Interest paid related to commercial paper and long-term debt, net of cash received from the related interest rate swaps $ 128    
Floating-rate notes due May 18, 2018 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 18, 2018 May 18, 2018  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 250 $ 250  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 0.70% 0.66%  
Long-term debt, Interest rate terms The interest rate on the floating rate notes due in 2018 and 2020 for a particular interest period will be a per annum rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined on the interest determination date plus 0.27% and 0.55%, respectively.    
Floating-rate notes due May 20, 2020 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 20, 2020 May 20, 2020  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 250 $ 250  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 0.98% 0.94%  
Long-term debt, Interest rate terms The interest rate on the floating rate notes due in 2018 and 2020 for a particular interest period will be a per annum rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined on the interest determination date plus 0.27% and 0.55%, respectively.    
Fixed-rate 1.40% notes due May 18, 2018 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate 1.40% 1.40%  
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 18, 2018 May 18, 2018  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 1,250 $ 1,250  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 0.71% 0.43%  
Fixed-rate 2.25% notes due May 20, 2020 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate 2.25% 2.25%  
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 20, 2020 May 20, 2020  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 1,750 $ 1,750  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 1.71% 1.62%  
Fixed-rate 3.00% notes due May 20, 2022 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate 3.00% 3.00%  
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 20, 2022 May 20, 2022  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 2,000 $ 2,000  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 2.14% 2.08%  
Fixed-rate 3.45% notes due May 20, 2025 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate 3.45% 3.45%  
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 20, 2025 May 20, 2025  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 2,000 $ 2,000  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 3.46% 3.46%  
Fixed-rate 4.65% notes due May 20, 2035 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate 4.65% 4.65%  
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 20, 2035 May 20, 2035  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 1,000 $ 1,000  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 4.74% 4.74%  
Fixed-rate 4.80% notes due May 20, 2045 [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Long-term debt, Stated Interest Rate 4.80% 4.80%  
Long-term debt, Maturity date May 20, 2045 May 20, 2045  
Long-term debt, Principal amount $ 1,500 $ 1,500  
Long-term debt, Effective Interest Rate 4.71% 4.71%  
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]      
Long-term Debt [Abstract]      
Gross notional amount of Derivatives $ 3,000    
v3.3.1.900
Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2013
USD ($)
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]  
Legal Proceedings [Line Items]  
ParkerVision verdict amount $ 173
v3.3.1.900
Commitments and Contingencies Purchase Obligations (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]  
Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Unrecorded obligations $ 3,200
Fiscal 2017 - Unrecorded obligations 891
Fiscal 2018 - Unrecorded obligations 739
Fiscal 2019 - Unrecorded obligations 718
Fiscal 2020 - Unrecorded obligations 196
Thereafter - Unrecorded obligations 14
Inventories [Member]  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]  
Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Unrecorded obligations 2,600
Fiscal 2017 - Unrecorded obligations 742
Fiscal 2018 - Unrecorded obligations 698
Fiscal 2019 - Unrecorded obligations 699
Fiscal 2020 - Unrecorded obligations 177
Thereafter - Unrecorded obligations $ 0
v3.3.1.900
Commitments and Contingencies Operating Leases (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
USD ($)
Leases, Operating [Abstract]  
Description of Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases The Company leases certain of its land, facilities and equipment under noncancellable operating leases, with terms ranging from less than one year to 21 years and with provisions in certain leases for cost-of-living increases.
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Operating Leases $ 75
Fiscal 2017 - Operating leases 78
Fiscal 2018 - Operating leases 45
Fiscal 2019 - Operating leases 30
Fiscal 2020 - Operating leases 20
Thereafter - Operating leases $ 27
v3.3.1.900
Commitments and Contingencies Other Commitments (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
USD ($)
Other Commitments [Abstract]  
Other Commitments $ 431
Remainder of fiscal 2016 - Other Commitments $ 197
v3.3.1.900
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Segment Reporting, Factors Used to Identify Entity's Reportable Segments The Company is organized on the basis of products and services. The Company conducts business primarily through two reportable segments: QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies) and QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing), and its QSI (Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives) reportable segment makes strategic investments and includes revenues and related costs associated with development contracts with an equity method investee    
Revenues $ 5,775 $ 7,099  
Cost of equipment and services revenues (2,534) (3,047)  
Research and development expense (1,352) (1,352)  
Selling, general and administrative expense (578) (583)  
Other expenses 374 (53)  
Interest expense (74) (1)  
Investment income, net 99 235  
EBT 1,710 2,298  
Total assets 50,229   $ 50,796
Goodwill impairment charge   69  
QCT [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 4,096 5,242  
EBT 590 1,146  
Total assets 2,132   2,923
QTL [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 1,607 1,816  
EBT 1,339 1,579  
Total assets 346   438
QSI [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 9 0  
EBT 359 (1)  
Total assets 924   812
Nonreportable Segments [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 64 43  
EBT (124) (148)  
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues (1) (2)  
EBT 1 (1)  
Reconciling Items [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 63 41  
Cost of equipment and services revenues (150) (79)  
Research and development expense (216) (210)  
Selling, general and administrative expense (127) (150)  
Other expenses (6) (69)  
Interest expense (70) 0  
Investment income, net 114 231  
EBT (578) (426)  
Total assets 46,827   $ 46,623
Cost of equipment and services revenues [Member] | Reconciling Items [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Unallocated acquisition-related expenses 140 67  
Research and development expenses [Member] | Reconciling Items [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Unallocated acquisition-related expenses 3 4  
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member] | Reconciling Items [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Unallocated acquisition-related expenses $ 29 $ 12  
v3.3.1.900
Acquisitions (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
USD ($)
businesses
Sep. 27, 2015
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Goodwill $ 5,669 $ 5,479
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Number of businesses acquired | businesses 3  
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired $ 407  
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount 23  
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Technology-based intangible assets recognized $ 248  
Weighted average useful life of technology-based intangible assets 5 years  
QCT [Member] | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Goodwill $ 172  
v3.3.1.900
Strategic Realignment Plan (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 25, 2016
Sep. 27, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Strategic Realignment Plan, announcement Date     Jul. 22, 2015
Consulting costs $ 25    
Severance costs 23    
Restructuring-related costs 3    
Gain on sale of business 48    
Restructuring and restructuring-related charges incurred to date 196    
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of restructuring accrual 153 $ 153  
Restructuring charges 55    
Cash payments (59)    
Adjustments (4)    
Ending balance of restructuring accrual 145   $ 153
Employee Severance [Member]      
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of restructuring accrual 122 122  
Restructuring charges 27    
Cash payments (15)    
Adjustments (4)    
Ending balance of restructuring accrual 130   122
Other Costs [Member]      
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of restructuring accrual 31 $ 31  
Restructuring charges 28    
Cash payments (44)    
Adjustments 0    
Ending balance of restructuring accrual 15   $ 31
Minimum [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 100    
Maximum [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 200    
Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]      
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Restructuring charges $ 51    
Scenario, Forecast [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Strategic Realignment Plan, Completion Date   Sep. 25, 2016  
v3.3.1.900
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
$ in Millions
Dec. 27, 2015
USD ($)
Assets  
Cash equivalents $ 6,211
Marketable securities 23,678
Derivative instruments 18
Other investments 306
Total assets measured at fair value 30,213
Liabilities  
Derivative instruments 6
Other liabilities 306
Total liabilities measured at fair value 312
Level 1 [Member]  
Assets  
Cash equivalents 2,364
Marketable securities 1,208
Derivative instruments 0
Other investments 306
Total assets measured at fair value 3,878
Liabilities  
Derivative instruments 0
Other liabilities 306
Total liabilities measured at fair value 306
Level 2 [Member]  
Assets  
Cash equivalents 3,847
Marketable securities 22,296
Derivative instruments 18
Other investments 0
Total assets measured at fair value 26,161
Liabilities  
Derivative instruments 6
Other liabilities 0
Total liabilities measured at fair value 6
Level 3 [Member]  
Assets  
Cash equivalents 0
Marketable securities 174
Derivative instruments 0
Other investments 0
Total assets measured at fair value 174
Liabilities  
Derivative instruments 0
Other liabilities 0
Total liabilities measured at fair value 0
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 1,003
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 89
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 914
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 0
Corporate bonds and notes [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 15,810
Corporate bonds and notes [Member] | Level 1 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 0
Corporate bonds and notes [Member] | Level 2 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 15,810
Corporate bonds and notes [Member] | Level 3 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 0
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 1,917
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 0
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 1,743
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 174
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 1,495
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 1,119
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 376
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 0
Debt funds [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 3,453
Debt funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 0
Debt funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities 3,453
Debt funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]  
Assets  
Marketable securities $ 0
v3.3.1.900
Fair Value Measurements Activity Between Levels of the Fair Value Hierarchy, Assets (Details) - Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Activity for Marketable Securities Classified Within Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance of Level 3 $ 224 $ 269
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) (1) 0
Purchases 0 29
Sales (1) (24)
Settlements (36) (44)
Transfers out of Level 3 (12) 0
Ending balance of Level 3 $ 174 $ 230
v3.3.1.900
Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 27, 2015
Sep. 27, 2015
Schedule of Marketable Securities [Line Items]      
Total marketable securities - Current   $ 9,615 $ 9,761
Total marketable securities - Noncurrent   $ 14,063 13,626
Effective ownership interest in debt fund (fair value option)   22.00%  
Net losses recognized on debt securities classified as trading held at the end of the period $ 12    
Ending balance of the credit loss portion of other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities   $ 22  
Trading Securities [Abstract]      
Trading - Current   0 0
Trading - Noncurrent   640 618
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale - Current   9,615 9,761
Available-for-sale - Noncurrent   12,840 12,228
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member]      
Trading Securities [Abstract]      
Trading - Current   0 0
Trading - Noncurrent   61 12
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale - Current   160 156
Available-for-sale - Noncurrent   782 691
Corporate bonds and notes [Member]      
Trading Securities [Abstract]      
Trading - Current   0 0
Trading - Noncurrent   300 364
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale - Current   7,942 7,926
Available-for-sale - Noncurrent   7,568 7,112
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member]      
Trading Securities [Abstract]      
Trading - Current   0 0
Trading - Noncurrent   279 242
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale - Current   1,339 1,302
Available-for-sale - Noncurrent   299 263
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member]      
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale - Current   174 377
Available-for-sale - Noncurrent   1,321 1,253
Debt funds [Member]      
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale - Current   0 0
Available-for-sale - Noncurrent   2,870 2,909
Fair Value Option [Abstract]      
Fair value option - Current   0 0
Fair value option - Noncurrent   $ 583 $ 780
v3.3.1.900
Marketable Securities Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2015
Dec. 28, 2014
Sep. 27, 2015
Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities [Abstract]      
Years to Maturity - Less Than One Year $ 3,142    
Years to Maturity - One to Five Years 10,947    
Years to Maturity - Five to Ten Years 1,721    
Years to Maturity - Greater Than Ten Years 643    
Years to Maturity - No Single Maturity Date 4,507    
Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Gross Realized Gains 50 $ 180  
Gross Realized Losses (12) (8)  
Net Realized Gains 38 $ 172  
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]      
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Cost 1,266   $ 1,394
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Gains 251   264
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Unrealized Losses (22)   (28)
Available-for-sale Securities Equity Securities, Fair Value 1,495   1,630
Available-for-sale Debt Securities (including debt funds), Cost 21,234   20,459
Available-for-sale Debt Securities (including debt funds), Unrealized Gains 132   185
Available-for-sale Debt Securities (including debt funds), Unrealized Losses (406)   (285)
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Fair Value 20,960   20,359
Cost 22,500   21,853
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gains 383   449
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses (428)   (313)
Fair Value 22,455   21,989
Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract]      
Less than 12 months - Fair Value 14,777   11,006
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses (311)   (245)
More than 12 months - Fair Value 1,221   617
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses (117)   (68)
U.S. Treasury securities and government-related securities [Member]      
Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract]      
Less than 12 months - Fair Value 808   304
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses (12)   (4)
More than 12 months - Fair Value 20   0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses (2)   0
Corporate bonds and notes [Member]      
Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract]      
Less than 12 months - Fair Value 10,466   7,656
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses (132)   (93)
More than 12 months - Fair Value 956   368
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses (108)   (62)
Mortgage- and asset-backed and auction rate securities [Member]      
Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract]      
Less than 12 months - Fair Value 1,220   862
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses (7)   (3)
More than 12 months - Fair Value 164   108
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses (1)   (1)
Equity and preferred securities and equity funds [Member]      
Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract]      
Less than 12 months - Fair Value 360   392
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses (22)   (28)
More than 12 months - Fair Value 2   17
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses 0   0
Debt funds [Member]      
Investments Classified as Available-for-sale in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary [Abstract]      
Less than 12 months - Fair Value 1,923   1,792
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized losses (138)   (117)
More than 12 months - Fair Value 79   124
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Unrealized losses $ (6)   $ (5)
v3.3.1.900
Subsequent Event (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member]
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended
Jan. 12, 2016
USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]  
Agreed ownership percentage by Parent upon acquisition 51.00%
Agreed ownership percentage by noncontrolling owner upon acquisition 49.00%
Agreed acquisition purchase price, subject to adjustments $ 1,200
Agreed exercise price of option to purchase/sell noncontrolling owner's ownership interest $ 1,150
Time period after closing date upon which option becomes exercisable date 30 months
Maximum amount to be paid to noncontrolling owner in lieu of any profit sharing, distributions, dividends or any other payments $ 200