Qualcomm 2014 Annual Report Download - page 16

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Competition
Competition faced by our operating segments is discussed under Operating Segments. Competition in the communications industry
throughout the world continues to increase at a rapid pace as consumers, businesses and governments realize the potential of wireless
communications products and services. We have facilitated competition in the wireless communications industry by licensing our technologies
to, and therefore enabling, a large number of manufacturers. Although we have attained a significant position in the industry, many of our
current and potential competitors may have advantages over us, which include, among others: lower cost structures; better known brand names;
ownership and control of manufacturing facilities and greater expertise in manufacturing processes; motivation by our customers in certain
circumstances to find alternate suppliers or choose alternate technologies; foreign government support of other technologies or our competitors;
more extensive relationships with local distribution and original equipment manufacturer companies in emerging geographic regions (such as
China); and/or a more established presence in certain device markets. These relationships may affect customers’ decisions to purchase products
or license technology from us. Accordingly, new competitors or alliances among competitors could emerge and rapidly acquire significant
market positions to our detriment.
We expect competition to increase as our current competitors expand their product offerings and introduce new technologies and services in
the future and as additional companies compete with our products or services based on 3G, 4G or other technologies. Although we intend to
continue to make substantial investments in developing new products and technologies and improving existing products and technologies, our
competitors may introduce alternative products, services or technologies that threaten our business. It is also possible that the prices we charge
for our products and services may continue to decline as competition continues to intensify.
Corporate Responsibility
We strive to better our local and global communities through ethical business practices, socially empowering technology applications,
educational and environmental programs and employee diversity and volunteerism.
Employees
At September 28, 2014 , we employed approximately 31,300 full-time, part-time and temporary employees. During fiscal 2014
, the number
of employees increased by approximately 300, primarily due to increases in engineering resources, partially offset by decreases in general and
administrative resources.
Available Information
Our Internet address is www.qualcomm.com. There we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-
K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-
K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our Internet site public financial
information for which a report is not required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our SEC reports and other financial information can be
accessed through the investor relations section of our Internet site. The information found on our Internet site is not part of this or any other
report we file with or furnish to the SEC.
11
• Our Governance. We aim to demonstrate accountability, transparency, integrity and ethical business practices throughout our
operations and interactions with our stakeholders.
• Our Products.
We strive to meet or exceed industry standards for product responsibility and supplier management.
• Our Workplace. We endeavor to provide a safe and healthy work environment where diversity is embraced and various opportunities
for training, growth and advancement are strongly encouraged for all employees.
• Our Community. We have strategic relationships with a wide range of local organizations and programs that develop and strengthen
communities worldwide.
• Our Environment.
We aim to expand our operations while minimizing our carbon footprint, conserving water and reducing waste.
• Wireless Reach. We invest in strategic projects that foster entrepreneurship, aid in public safety, enhance delivery of health care, enrich
teaching and learning and improve environmental sustainability through the use of advanced wireless technologies.