The Coca-Cola Company (KO) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of The Coca-Cola Company 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.
Different business models: KO is classified in Consumer Defensive; QCOM is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$88.29Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$181.97TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — KO vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yKO +175.8% (+10.7%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)QCOM compounded faster over this window
KO QCOM
KO vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •KO is the larger company ($379.87B vs $191.07B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 26.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •KO converts more revenue to profit (28.56% vs 21.01% net margin).
- •KO grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.60% vs 6.23% CAGR).
- •KO pays the higher dividend yield (2.37% vs 2.05%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KO | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 26.51 | 20.77 |
| Forward P/E | 26.71 | 17.26 |
| P/S ratio | 7.58 | 4.34 |
| P/B ratio | 10.51 | 6.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | 25.84 | 17.11 |
| FCF yield | 3.76% | 5.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | KO | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 61.89% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 29.63% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 28.56% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 39.60% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | 13.91% | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | KO | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.37% | 2.05% |
| Payout ratio | 62.46% | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KO | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.60% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 11.12% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -9.38% | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 12.87% | 6.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KO or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: KO trades at 26.51 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, KO or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, KO grew revenue faster — KO at a 6.60% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does KO or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- KO yields 2.37% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KO or QCOM more profitable?
- KO runs the higher net margin — KO at 28.56% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have KO and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, KO delivered 11.00% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Coca-Cola P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioCoca-Cola dividend yieldQUALCOMM dividend yieldCoca-Cola ROEQUALCOMM ROECoca-Cola operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginCoca-Cola revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthCoca-Cola free cash flowQUALCOMM free cash flow
Coca-Cola & 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.