Harmonic (HLIT) 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
Harmonic (HLIT) has outperformed QUALCOMM (QCOM) over the past year, gaining 8.4% versus a gain of 7.0%. Over five years, QCOM leads with a +36.0% price change compared with +21.6% for HLIT. QUALCOMM is the larger company by market cap ($186.60 billion vs $1.22 billion), about 153.6 times the size.
On valuation, Harmonic trades at a lower forward P/E (13.8x vs 17.1x for QUALCOMM). QUALCOMM pays a dividend yielding 2.05%, while Harmonic does not currently pay one.
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 | HLIT | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $11.14 | $174.75 |
| Market cap | $1.22B | $186.60B |
| 1-day change | -1.15% | -1.34% |
| YTD return | +13.95% | +3.55% |
| 1-year return | +8.37% | +7.05% |
| 5-year return | +21.57% | +36.04% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 42.85 | 20.23 |
| Forward P/E | 13.79 | 17.13 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.26 | $8.64 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 2.05% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.59 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $44.28B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +13.66% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $5.54B |
| Gross margin | — | 55.43% |
| Operating margin | — | 27.90% |
| Net margin | — | 12.51% |
| 52-week high | $17.68 | $259.92 |
| 52-week low | $8.47 | $121.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -36.99% | -32.77% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +44.88% | +11.09% |
| Average volume | 1.51M | 12.29M |
| Shares outstanding | 109.07M | 1.07B |
| Employees | 552 | 52,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment | 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
- QUALCOMM is about 153.6 times larger than Harmonic by market value ($186.60B vs $1.22B).
- Harmonic trades at a higher earnings multiple (42.8x vs 20.2x trailing P/E).
- QUALCOMM offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.05% vs 0.00%).
About Harmonic
HLIT stock →Harmonic Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides broadband access solutions worldwide. The company provides software-based broadband access solution, including cOS software-based broadband access solutions to broadband operators, an end-to-end solution consisting of virtualized cloud-native software; hardware products include Oyster, Ripple and SeaStar DAA nodes; Reef and Wave PHY shelf products; pebble remote PHY Devices; and fin, pearl and pier OLT modules and devices; and cOS software-based broadband access solutions to broadband operators; and cOS central cloud services, a subscription service for cOS customers.
Technology · Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment · 552 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
HLIT vs QCOM FAQ
Which is bigger, Harmonic or QUALCOMM?
QUALCOMM (QCOM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $186.60B compared with $1.22B for Harmonic (HLIT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HLIT or QCOM?
HLIT returned +8.37% over the past 12 months, compared with +7.05% for QCOM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HLIT or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E at 20.2, versus 42.8 for HLIT. 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, Harmonic or QUALCOMM?
QUALCOMM pays a dividend yielding 2.05%, while Harmonic does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Harmonic and QUALCOMM in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment industry within the Technology sector.