QCOM vs. STM: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at QCOM and STM, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
QCOM is a standard domestic stock, while STM trades as New York Registered Shares, providing U.S. investors with a way to invest in the foreign-based company.
| Symbol | QCOM | STM |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | QUALCOMM Incorporated | STMicroelectronics N.V. |
| Country | United States | Netherlands |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| Market Capitalization | 182.57 billion USD | 25.49 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NYSE |
| Listing Date | December 13, 1991 | December 8, 1994 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | NY Reg Shrs |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of QCOM and STM by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | QCOM | STM |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -4.14% | -0.95% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 4.46% | -12.24% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 5.03% | 20.45% |
| 52-Week Price Return | -2.22% | -6.56% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 3.50% | 1.01% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 8.29% | -0.76% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 8.29M | 2.34M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 7.94M | 2.52M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 25.70% | 46.18% |
| Beta | 1.27 | 1.19 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
QCOM
42.85%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 47.13%
- Q3
- 23.50%
- Median
- 9.94%
- Q1
- 0.86%
- Min
- -20.69%
In the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, QCOM’s Return on Equity of 42.85% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.
STM
4.88%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 47.13%
- Q3
- 23.50%
- Median
- 9.94%
- Q1
- 0.86%
- Min
- -20.69%
STM’s Return on Equity of 4.88% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
QCOM
26.77%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.41%
- Q3
- 23.88%
- Median
- 10.17%
- Q1
- 1.21%
- Min
- -32.15%
A Net Profit Margin of 26.77% places QCOM in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.
STM
7.65%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.41%
- Q3
- 23.88%
- Median
- 10.17%
- Q1
- 1.21%
- Min
- -32.15%
STM’s Net Profit Margin of 7.65% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
QCOM
27.54%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.09%
- Q3
- 27.54%
- Median
- 11.18%
- Q1
- 3.31%
- Min
- -28.36%
QCOM’s Operating Profit Margin of 27.54% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
STM
6.17%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.09%
- Q3
- 27.54%
- Median
- 11.18%
- Q1
- 3.31%
- Min
- -28.36%
STM’s Operating Profit Margin of 6.17% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | QCOM | STM |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 42.85% | 4.88% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 20.96% | 3.47% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 26.77% | 7.65% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 27.54% | 6.17% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 55.68% | 32.96% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
QCOM
3.19
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 6.58
- Q3
- 4.24
- Median
- 2.73
- Q1
- 2.13
- Min
- 1.02
QCOM’s Current Ratio of 3.19 aligns with the median group of the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
STM
2.32
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 6.58
- Q3
- 4.24
- Median
- 2.73
- Q1
- 2.13
- Min
- 1.02
STM’s Current Ratio of 2.32 aligns with the median group of the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
QCOM
0.54
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.48
- Median
- 0.25
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
QCOM’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.54. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
STM
0.15
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.48
- Median
- 0.25
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
STM’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.15 is typical for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
QCOM
38.40
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 74.71
- Median
- 26.06
- Q1
- 6.43
- Min
- -7.80
QCOM’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 38.40 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
STM
5.37
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 74.71
- Median
- 26.06
- Q1
- 6.43
- Min
- -7.80
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, STM’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 5.37 indicates a tighter cushion for servicing debt, suggesting less financial flexibility than many of its competitors.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | QCOM | STM |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 3.19 | 2.32 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 2.38 | 1.61 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.54 | 0.15 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 38.40 | 5.37 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
QCOM
2.13%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 3.72%
- Q3
- 1.51%
- Median
- 0.69%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
With a Dividend Yield of 2.13%, QCOM offers a more attractive income stream than most of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, signaling a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
STM
1.28%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 3.72%
- Q3
- 1.51%
- Median
- 0.69%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
STM’s Dividend Yield of 1.28% is consistent with its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
QCOM
32.79%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 205.27%
- Q3
- 88.01%
- Median
- 27.13%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
QCOM’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 32.79% is within the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
STM
35.28%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 205.27%
- Q3
- 88.01%
- Median
- 27.13%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
STM’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 35.28% is within the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | QCOM | STM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 2.13% | 1.28% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 32.79% | 35.28% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
QCOM
15.38
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 106.30
- Q3
- 61.93
- Median
- 38.96
- Q1
- 23.71
- Min
- 13.06
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, QCOM’s P/E Ratio of 15.38 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
STM
27.49
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 106.30
- Q3
- 61.93
- Median
- 38.96
- Q1
- 23.71
- Min
- 13.06
STM’s P/E Ratio of 27.49 is within the middle range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
QCOM
4.12
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 19.99
- Q3
- 10.21
- Median
- 5.23
- Q1
- 2.88
- Min
- 1.13
QCOM’s P/S Ratio of 4.12 aligns with the market consensus for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
STM
2.10
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 19.99
- Q3
- 10.21
- Median
- 5.23
- Q1
- 2.88
- Min
- 1.13
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, STM’s P/S Ratio of 2.10 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
QCOM
6.35
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 14.22
- Q3
- 6.94
- Median
- 4.29
- Q1
- 1.99
- Min
- 0.67
QCOM’s P/B Ratio of 6.35 is within the conventional range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
STM
1.48
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 14.22
- Q3
- 6.94
- Median
- 4.29
- Q1
- 1.99
- Min
- 0.67
STM’s P/B Ratio of 1.48 is in the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | QCOM | STM |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 15.38 | 27.49 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 4.12 | 2.10 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 6.35 | 1.48 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 15.32 | 277.00 |