The CEO's statement about Qualcomm being ahead of revenue targets in the automotive sector is a strong positive signal for the company's financial performance and diversification efforts. This news is likely to be well-received by investors, as it suggests that Qualcomm is successfully reducing its dependence on the smartphone market and tapping into the growth potential of the automotive industry. The positive impact on the stock is based on the expectation that investors will view this news as an indication of future revenue growth and profitability.