International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

A side-by-side comparison of International Business Machines Corporation and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIBM vs QCOM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IBM +135.7% (+9.0%/yr)QCOM +250.2% (+13.4%/yr)QCOM compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$236$350
IBM QCOM

IBM vs QCOM: by the numbers

  • IBM is the larger company ($218.95B vs $182.06B market cap).
  • QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.26 vs 20.79 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • QCOM converts more revenue to profit (21.01% vs 15.52% net margin).
  • QCOM grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.23% vs 1.13% CAGR).
  • IBM pays the higher dividend yield (2.87% vs 2.15%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIBMQCOM
P/E ratio20.7919.26
Forward P/E19.0816.01
P/S ratio3.244.09
P/B ratio6.506.52
EV / EBITDA16.0716.21
FCF yield6.09%5.77%

Profitability

MetricIBMQCOM
Gross margin58.43%54.23%
Operating margin17.86%23.19%
Net margin15.52%21.01%
ROE31.13%33.48%
ROIC10.12%17.42%

Dividends

MetricIBMQCOM
Dividend yield2.87%2.15%
Payout ratio59.65%41.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIBMQCOM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.13%6.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.59%2.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.28%2.09%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.36%5.40%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IBM or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: IBM trades at 20.79 and QCOM at 19.26. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, IBM or QCOM?
Over the past five years, QCOM grew revenue faster — IBM at a 1.13% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
Does IBM or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
IBM yields 2.87% and QCOM yields 2.15% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IBM or QCOM more profitable?
QCOM runs the higher net margin — IBM at 15.52% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
How have IBM and QCOM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IBM delivered 8.86% and QCOM delivered 13.30% 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 8, 2026.