Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$332.27TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$181.97TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1191.3% (+29.2%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
AAPL QCOM
AAPL vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $191.07B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 21.01% net margin).
- •QCOM grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.23% vs 6.10% CAGR).
- •QCOM pays the higher dividend yield (2.05% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 20.77 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | 17.26 |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 4.34 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 6.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | 17.11 |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | 5.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 2.05% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | 6.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and QCOM at 20.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, QCOM grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does AAPL or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or QCOM more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have AAPL and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioApple dividend yieldQUALCOMM dividend yieldApple ROEQUALCOMM ROEApple operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginApple revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthApple free cash flowQUALCOMM free cash flow
Apple & QUALCOMM appear in these rankings
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Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.