Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), a provider of software and semiconductor chips used in mobile phones, boosted the Fund’s return by 67 basis points, as its stock rose 27.9% from $53.57 to $68.50. Investors cheered the company’s progress in China, as it signed licensing agreements with several smartphone manufacturers and its new Snapdragon chips gained market share in the country. In late September, the stock jumped on reports that the company was in talks to acquire NXP Semiconductors, a leading provider of semiconductors to the automotive industry. If the deal occurs, it would be significantly accretive to earnings, as Qualcomm would add a new, fast-growing revenue stream while putting its $31 billion cash balance to work.
From Jerome Dodson (Trades, Portfolio)'s Parnassus Fund third-quarter 2016 commentary.
