Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: MA is classified in Financial Services; QCOM is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$181.97TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMA +520.3% (+20.0%/yr)QCOM +266.0% (+13.9%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
MA QCOM
MA vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $191.07B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 21.01% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 6.23% CAGR).
- •QCOM pays the higher dividend yield (2.05% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.31 | 20.77 |
| Forward P/E | 28.52 | 17.26 |
| P/S ratio | 14.23 | 4.34 |
| P/B ratio | 88.97 | 6.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 17.11 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 5.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 100.00% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 59.84% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 46.34% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 289.73% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | N/A | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.60% | 2.05% |
| Payout ratio | 18.54% | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.09% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.88% | 6.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 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, MA or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 16.09% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does MA or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.60% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or QCOM more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have MA and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mastercard P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldQUALCOMM dividend yieldMastercard ROEQUALCOMM ROEMastercard operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginMastercard revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthQUALCOMM free cash flow
Mastercard & 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 11, 2026.