Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Corporation 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.
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$181.97TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MSFT vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMSFT +875.9% (+25.6%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
MSFT QCOM
MSFT vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $191.07B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 27.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 21.01% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs 6.23% CAGR).
- •QCOM pays the higher dividend yield (2.05% vs 0.74%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MSFT | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 27.61 | 20.77 |
| Forward P/E | 25.13 | 17.26 |
| P/S ratio | 11.09 | 4.34 |
| P/B ratio | 8.32 | 6.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.55 | 17.11 |
| FCF yield | 1.82% | 5.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | MSFT | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 67.94% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 46.78% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 40.31% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 30.23% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | 20.90% | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | MSFT | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.74% | 2.05% |
| Payout ratio | 20.28% | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MSFT | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.57% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.26% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 3.60% | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 11.66% | 6.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MSFT or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: MSFT trades at 27.61 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, MSFT or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — MSFT at a 14.57% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does MSFT or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- MSFT yields 0.74% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MSFT or QCOM more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — MSFT at 40.31% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have MSFT and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MSFT delivered 25.72% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Microsoft P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioMicrosoft dividend yieldQUALCOMM dividend yieldMicrosoft ROEQUALCOMM ROEMicrosoft operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginMicrosoft revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthMicrosoft free cash flowQUALCOMM free cash flow
Microsoft & 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 11, 2026.