{
  "id": 15845362,
  "title": "Qualcomm to cut jobs worldwide in performance-focused layoffs, internal memo shows",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/qualcomm-to-cut-jobs-worldwide-in-performance-focused-layoffs-15845362",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-21T04:20:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
    "slug": "the-hindu-sci-tech",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/qualcomm-to-cut-jobs-worldwide-in-performance-focused-layoffs-internal-memo-shows/article71606101.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Qualcomm, one of the world's leading smartphone chipmakers, announced plans to cut jobs worldwide in a performance-focused reduction, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The memo did not provide specific details on the number of jobs affected, but CEO Cristiano Amon informed staff during annual employee reviews that the company would begin notifying affected employees in November. This decision comes as part of an effort to build a stronger performance culture and address situations where Qualcomm has consistently fallen short of expectations.\n\nThe cuts are expected to take place following the company's annual employee reviews, with notifications set to begin in November. However, the exact number of job cuts remains undisclosed. Qualcomm's global workforce, as of September last year, consisted of approximately 52,000 employees, with most of them being full-time. The company's financial year typically ends in late September.\n\nDespite being one of the largest players in the smartphone chip market, Qualcomm has faced challenges this year due to a slump in consumer electronics sales. Soaring memory prices have weighed on demand in key markets, negatively impacting the company's performance. Qualcomm's shares have shown limited growth, with only a 1.5% increase in 2026, compared to the S&P 500's gains of over 12% and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index's nearly 60% growth.\n\nIn July, Qualcomm reported that its quarterly profit had fallen short of estimates and that revenue from Apple products was projected to decline faster than anticipated. However, the company also indicated that growth in its data-center and other non-handset businesses would help offset the lost revenue by 2027. Qualcomm aims to shift the majority of its chip sales to businesses other than smartphones by fiscal 2027, as it expands into the rapidly growing AI data-center market.\n\nAmon emphasized in the memo that business priorities, organizational needs, skills, and expertise would be considered in making the cuts. He stated, \"As we have expanded the business, so have the competencies and skills we require. We must have the right people in the right roles so they can perform at their best and the company can continue to succeed.\"",
  "summary": "One of the world’s biggest smartphone chipmakers, Qualcomm has been hit this year by a slump in consumer electronics sales",
  "key_points": [
    "Qualcomm plans to cut jobs worldwide in performance-focused reduction.",
    "CEO Cristiano Amon informed staff during annual reviews.",
    "Exact number of job cuts remains undisclosed."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing performance-based cuts signals a strategic pivot to align workforce expertise with the company's long-term goal of diversifying away from a struggling smartphone market toward high-growth AI data-center sectors.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Qualcomm to cut jobs worldwide in performance-focused layoffs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/qualcomm-to-cut-jobs-worldwide-in-performance-focused-layoffs-15842909",
        "published": "2026-10-21T03:59:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}