Intel Corporation (INTC)vs QCOM Holdings, Inc. (QCOM)

Quick verdict

Intel Corporation (INTC) and QCOM Holdings, Inc. (QCOM) appeal to different investors. On our six-factor framework, INTC scores 3.5 and QCOM scores 2.5. neither clearly looks cheaper on the multiples that matter, while INTC grows faster and INTC earns higher returns on capital. Overall, INTC edges this comparison, but the right pick depends on whether you prioritise value, growth, income or balance-sheet safety.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

Intel Corporation operates in Semiconductors (Technology), while QCOM Holdings, Inc. sits in Software—Infrastructure (Technology). Because both compete in the same sector, this is a direct head-to-head and the financial differences below are especially meaningful. INTC carries a beta of 1.66 versus 1.14 for QCOM, meaning INTC has historically been the more volatile of the two.

Valuation

On valuation, neither clearly is the cheaper stock. INTC trades on a forward P/E of 40.53 and EV/EBITDA of 24.36, against n/a and 12.51 for QCOM. Price-to-sales is 12.99 vs 1.25, and free-cash-flow yield is 3.5% vs 1.2%. A higher multiple is only justified if the company can sustain faster growth or wider margins, which is exactly what the next sections test.

Growth profile

INTC is the faster grower. INTC has compounded revenue at 17.2% over three years with EPS growth of 15.0%, while QCOM has delivered 10.8% revenue and 10.4% EPS growth. Growth like this is the single biggest driver of long-term returns, but it also tends to come with a richer valuation, so it must be weighed against the multiples above.

Profitability and quality

On profitability and quality, INTC is stronger. INTC posts a 37.7% operating margin, 50.5% return on equity and 34.6% return on invested capital. QCOM posts -7.8%, -15.3% and -11.5% respectively. Return on invested capital above roughly 15% is a hallmark of a durable competitive advantage, so this metric deserves particular attention.

Balance-sheet risk

QCOM has the safer balance sheet. INTC carries net-debt/EBITDA of 2.98x with a current ratio of 3.56, versus 1.67x and 2.20 for QCOM. Lower leverage gives a company more room to invest through a downturn and reduces the risk of dilution or distress.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the past year INTC returned 103.1% against 63.1% for QCOM; on a three-year annualised basis it is 12.8% vs 13.4%. INTC yields 3.7% and QCOM yields 2.4%. Past performance never guarantees future results, but the multi-year track record shows how the market has rewarded each business so far.

Which stock fits which investor

For value-oriented investors, QCOM is the better fit on today's multiples. Growth investors will likely prefer INTC, which is expanding faster. Income investors should lean toward QCOM for its higher shareholder yield, while investors who prize quality-at-a-reasonable-price will favour INTC for its superior returns on capital. This is a comparison of facts, not a recommendation — your time horizon, risk tolerance and existing holdings should drive the final decision.

• Value: QCOM
• Growth: INTC
• Income: QCOM
• Quality: INTC

Frequently asked questions

Is INTC or QCOM the better buy right now?

Neither is universally "better." INTC scores 3.5 and QCOM scores 2.5 on our six-factor framework. neither clearly is cheaper, INTC grows faster, and INTC is higher quality — so the right pick depends on your objective.

Which stock is cheaper, INTC or QCOM?

neither clearly is the cheaper stock across forward P/E (40.53 vs n/a), EV/EBITDA (24.36 vs 12.51) and price-to-sales (12.99 vs 1.25).

Which has grown faster, INTC or QCOM?

INTC has the stronger growth profile, with three-year revenue CAGR of 17.2% for INTC versus 10.8% for QCOM.

Which stock pays a bigger dividend?

INTC yields 3.7% and QCOM yields 2.4%, so QCOM is the stronger income choice.

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