QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) vs Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL)

A side-by-side comparison of QUALCOMM Incorporated and Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: QCOM is classified in Technology; STRL is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnQCOM vs STRL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
QCOM +11063.6%STRL +48947.2%STRL compounded faster
020k40k60kStart $100200120062011201620212026$11,164$49,047
QCOM STRL

QCOM vs STRL: by the numbers

  • QCOM is the larger company ($171.68B vs $16.51B market cap).
  • QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.24 vs 56.76 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • QCOM converts more revenue to profit (22.31% vs 12.02% net margin).
  • STRL grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.81% vs 8.63% CAGR).
  • QCOM pays a dividend (2.11% yield), while STRL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricQCOMSTRL
P/E ratio18.2456.76
Forward P/E15.7933.59
P/S ratio4.106.83
P/B ratio6.6816.56
PEG ratio3.182.34
EV / EBITDA14.6133.62
FCF yield6.86%2.24%

Profitability

MetricQCOMSTRL
Gross margin54.80%23.29%
Operating margin25.52%17.25%
Net margin22.31%12.02%
ROE36.38%29.14%
ROIC13.15%19.06%

Dividends

MetricQCOMSTRL
Dividend yield2.11%N/A
Payout ratio70.95%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricQCOMSTRL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.63%14.81%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.74%44.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)9.39%31.85%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.10%97.56%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, QCOM or STRL?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: QCOM trades at 18.24 and STRL at 56.76. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, QCOM or STRL?
Over the past five years, STRL grew revenue faster — QCOM at a 8.63% CAGR versus STRL at 14.81%.
Does QCOM or STRL pay a bigger dividend?
QCOM pays a dividend (2.11% yield), while STRL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is QCOM or STRL more profitable?
QCOM runs the higher net margin — QCOM at 22.31% versus STRL at 12.02%.
How have QCOM and STRL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, QCOM delivered 13.58% and STRL delivered 60.07% 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 July 28, 2026.