Ciena Corporation (CIEN) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of Ciena Corporation and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CIEN
Ciena Corporation
$319.64TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$180.15TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CIEN vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCIEN +1475.9% (+31.8%/yr)QCOM +278.2% (+14.2%/yr)CIEN compounded faster over this window
CIEN QCOM
CIEN vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •QCOM is the larger company ($189.16B vs $45.25B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.57 vs 71.35 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •QCOM converts more revenue to profit (21.01% vs 10.87% net margin).
- •CIEN grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.05% vs 6.23% CAGR).
- •QCOM pays a dividend (1.99% yield), while CIEN has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CIEN | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 71.35 | 20.57 |
| Forward P/E | 44.55 | 17.09 |
| P/S ratio | 7.51 | 4.29 |
| P/B ratio | 14.80 | 6.84 |
| EV / EBITDA | 41.16 | 16.95 |
| FCF yield | 1.59% | 5.51% |
Profitability
| Metric | CIEN | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.07% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 14.10% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 10.87% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 21.41% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | 11.56% | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | CIEN | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 1.99% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CIEN | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 12.05% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -17.95% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.27% | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 45.31% | 7.30% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CIEN or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: CIEN trades at 71.35 and QCOM at 20.57. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CIEN or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, CIEN grew revenue faster — CIEN at a 12.05% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does CIEN or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- QCOM pays a dividend (1.99% yield), while CIEN has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CIEN or QCOM more profitable?
- QCOM runs the higher net margin — CIEN at 10.87% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have CIEN and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CIEN delivered 32.05% and QCOM delivered 14.68% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Ciena P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioQUALCOMM dividend yieldCiena ROEQUALCOMM ROECiena operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginCiena revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthCiena free cash flowQUALCOMM free cash flow
Ciena & QUALCOMM appear in these rankings
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 13, 2026.