Motorola Solutions (MSI) 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
QUALCOMM (QCOM) has outperformed Motorola Solutions (MSI) over the past year, gaining 7.0% versus a loss of 2.2%. Over five years, MSI leads with a +86.9% price change compared with +36.0% for QCOM. QUALCOMM is the larger company by market cap ($189.14 billion vs $74.20 billion), about 2.5 times the size.
On valuation, QUALCOMM trades at a lower forward P/E (17.4x vs 23.1x for Motorola Solutions). QUALCOMM offers the higher dividend yield (2.03% vs 1.05%). Motorola Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 18.4% 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 | MSI | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $448.33 | $177.12 |
| Market cap | $74.20B | $189.14B |
| 1-day change | -1.74% | -2.16% |
| YTD return | +16.96% | +3.55% |
| 1-year return | -2.22% | +7.05% |
| 5-year return | +86.94% | +36.04% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 35.92 | 20.50 |
| Forward P/E | 23.07 | 17.36 |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.48 | $8.64 |
| Dividend yield | 1.05% | 2.03% |
| Annual dividend | $4.72 | $3.59 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $11.68B | $44.28B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.00% | +13.66% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.15B | $5.54B |
| Gross margin | 51.66% | 55.43% |
| Operating margin | 25.58% | 27.90% |
| Net margin | 18.44% | 12.51% |
| 52-week high | $494.85 | $259.92 |
| 52-week low | $359.36 | $121.99 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -9.40% | -31.86% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +17.53% | +9.60% |
| Average volume | 921.38K | 12.36M |
| Shares outstanding | 165.49M | 1.07B |
| Employees | 23,000 | 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 2.5 times larger than Motorola Solutions by market value ($189.14B vs $74.20B).
- Motorola Solutions trades at a higher earnings multiple (35.9x vs 20.5x trailing P/E).
- Motorola Solutions is more profitable, keeping 18.4 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 +8.00%).
About Motorola Solutions
MSI stock →Motorola Solutions, Inc. provides public safety, government, defense, and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally.
Technology · Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment · 23,000 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
MSI vs QCOM FAQ
Which is bigger, Motorola Solutions or QUALCOMM?
QUALCOMM (QCOM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $189.14B compared with $74.20B for Motorola Solutions (MSI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSI or QCOM?
QCOM returned +7.05% over the past 12 months, compared with -2.22% for MSI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MSI or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E at 20.5, versus 35.9 for MSI. 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, Motorola Solutions or QUALCOMM?
QUALCOMM has the higher yield at 2.03%, compared with 1.05% for Motorola Solutions.
Are Motorola Solutions and QUALCOMM in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Radio And Television Broadcasting And Communications Equipment industry within the Technology sector.