Apple (AAPL) vs QUALCOMM (QCOM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Apple (AAPL) has outperformed QUALCOMM (QCOM) over the past year, gaining 31.9% versus a gain of 4.9%. Over five years, AAPL leads with a +135.0% price change compared with +35.2% for QCOM. Apple is the larger company by market cap ($4.97 trillion vs $187.95 billion), about 26.4 times the size, while QUALCOMM is growing revenue faster (+13.7% vs +6.4%).
On valuation, QUALCOMM trades at a lower forward P/E (17.2x vs 35.5x for Apple). QUALCOMM offers the higher dividend yield (2.04% vs 0.31%). Apple converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 26.9% versus 12.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AAPL | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $340.42 | $176.01 |
| Market cap | $4.97T | $187.95B |
| 1-day change | +1.11% | -0.63% |
| YTD return | +25.22% | +2.90% |
| 1-year return | +31.92% | +4.91% |
| 5-year return | +135.03% | +35.18% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 39.04 | 20.37 |
| Forward P/E | 35.51 | 17.25 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.72 | $8.64 |
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 2.04% |
| Annual dividend | $1.05 | $3.59 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $416.16B | $44.28B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.43% | +13.66% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $112.01B | $5.54B |
| Gross margin | 46.91% | 55.43% |
| Operating margin | 31.97% | 27.90% |
| Net margin | 26.92% | 12.51% |
| 52-week high | $345.34 | $259.92 |
| 52-week low | $243.42 | $121.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -1.42% | -32.28% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | -3.62% | +10.29% |
| Average volume | 45.41M | 12.23M |
| Shares outstanding | 14.59B | 1.07B |
| Employees | 150,000 | 52,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Computer Manufacturing | Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Apple is about 26.4 times larger than QUALCOMM by market value ($4.97T vs $187.95B).
- AAPL has outperformed QCOM by 27.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Apple trades at a higher earnings multiple (39.0x vs 20.4x trailing P/E).
- QUALCOMM offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.04% vs 0.31%).
- Apple is more profitable, keeping 26.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 12.5 cents for QUALCOMM.
- QUALCOMM grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+13.66% vs +6.43%).
About Apple
AAPL stock →Apple Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide.
Technology · Computer Manufacturing · 150,000 employees
About QUALCOMM
QCOM stock →QUALCOMM Incorporated engages in the development and commercialization of foundational technologies for the wireless industry worldwide. It operates through three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT); Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL); and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI).
Technology · Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment · 52,000 employees
AAPL vs QCOM FAQ
Which is bigger, Apple or QUALCOMM?
Apple (AAPL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.97T compared with $187.95B for QUALCOMM (QCOM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AAPL or QCOM?
AAPL returned +31.92% over the past 12 months, compared with +4.91% for QCOM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AAPL or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E at 20.4, versus 39.0 for AAPL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Apple or QUALCOMM?
QUALCOMM has the higher yield at 2.04%, compared with 0.31% for Apple.
Are Apple and QUALCOMM in the same industry?
Both are in the Technology sector, but in different industries: Computer Manufacturing for Apple and Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment for QUALCOMM.