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.

Compare

Total returnCIEN vs QCOM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CIEN +1475.9% (+31.8%/yr)QCOM +278.2% (+14.2%/yr)CIEN compounded faster over this window
01k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,576$378
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

MetricCIENQCOM
P/E ratio71.3520.57
Forward P/E44.5517.09
P/S ratio7.514.29
P/B ratio14.806.84
EV / EBITDA41.1616.95
FCF yield1.59%5.51%

Profitability

MetricCIENQCOM
Gross margin44.07%54.23%
Operating margin14.10%23.19%
Net margin10.87%21.01%
ROE21.41%33.48%
ROIC11.56%17.42%

Dividends

MetricCIENQCOM
Dividend yieldN/A1.99%
Payout ratioN/A41.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCIENQCOM
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.

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.