Qualcomm vs Applied Materials
Qualcomm and Applied Materials are examined side by side to illuminate their business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents a neutral, accessible comparison of how each company creates value, operates, and faces industry dynamics. Educational content, not financial advice.
Qualcomm and Applied Materials are examined side by side to illuminate their business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents a neutral, accessible comparison of how each...
Why It's Moving
Qualcomm Bolsters AI Push and Shareholder Power with Key Moves This Week
- Teamed up with CP Plus on Dec 10 for first-of-its-kind AI-enabled video intelligence in India, tapping massive market potential to drive edge AI adoption.
- Declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.89 per share, payable Dec 18, underscoring financial strength and commitment to returning capital to investors.
- Amended bylaws on Dec 9 to let shareholders with 25%+ stake call special meetings, boosting engagement and governance transparency.
Applied Materials Hits New 1-Year High After Q4 Earnings Beat Fuels AI Optimism.
- Q4 EPS hit $2.17 versus $2.11 expected on $6.8B revenue topping $6.68B forecasts, underscoring robust demand for AI chipmaking tools.
- Analysts raised targets sharply—TD Cowen to $315, JPMorgan to $260—citing strong positioning in high-growth AI inflections despite China curbs.
- New AI-focused products like cold-field emission metrology boost resolution 50% and speed 10x, signaling edge in next-gen semiconductor tech.
Qualcomm Bolsters AI Push and Shareholder Power with Key Moves This Week
- Teamed up with CP Plus on Dec 10 for first-of-its-kind AI-enabled video intelligence in India, tapping massive market potential to drive edge AI adoption.
- Declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.89 per share, payable Dec 18, underscoring financial strength and commitment to returning capital to investors.
- Amended bylaws on Dec 9 to let shareholders with 25%+ stake call special meetings, boosting engagement and governance transparency.
Applied Materials Hits New 1-Year High After Q4 Earnings Beat Fuels AI Optimism.
- Q4 EPS hit $2.17 versus $2.11 expected on $6.8B revenue topping $6.68B forecasts, underscoring robust demand for AI chipmaking tools.
- Analysts raised targets sharply—TD Cowen to $315, JPMorgan to $260—citing strong positioning in high-growth AI inflections despite China curbs.
- New AI-focused products like cold-field emission metrology boost resolution 50% and speed 10x, signaling edge in next-gen semiconductor tech.
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Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
China's AI Chip Access
This carefully selected group of stocks represents companies poised to benefit from China's renewed access to advanced AI chips. Our professional analysts have identified key players across the semiconductor supply chain that could see significant growth as this massive market reopens.
Published: July 15, 2025
Explore BasketFoldable Future
This carefully selected group of stocks represents companies at the forefront of the foldable phone revolution. With Samsung launching new AI-powered foldables including a budget option, these specialized component suppliers are positioned to benefit as this innovative technology goes mainstream.
Published: July 11, 2025
Explore BasketNeuromorphic Computing Stack
Discover companies pioneering brain-inspired computing technology that's reshaping AI hardware. These carefully selected stocks represent innovators across the semiconductor ecosystem, all focused on creating more efficient, powerful chips to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketMicrochips
The tiny components powering our digital world are creating massive investment opportunities. These carefully selected semiconductor stocks represent the companies building the foundation for AI, smart devices, and our technological future.
Published: May 24, 2025
Explore BasketInvestment Analysis
Qualcomm
QCOM
Pros
- Qualcomm reported strong revenue growth and exceeded earnings expectations in Q4 2025, reflecting robust demand for its semiconductor products.
- The company achieved record free cash flow of $12.8 billion for the fiscal year, indicating solid operational efficiency and financial health.
- Qualcomm continues to innovate with new product launches, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, supporting its competitive position in mobile platforms.
Considerations
- Qualcomm's stock has underperformed compared to broader semiconductor industry averages over the past year, with limited upside momentum.
- The company faces ongoing exposure to cyclical demand in the smartphone market, which could impact future revenue stability.
- Qualcomm's valuation, while reasonable, is less attractive than some peers, with a forward P/E ratio above the sector median.
Pros
- Applied Materials has demonstrated strong multi-year total returns, outperforming many peers in the semiconductor equipment sector.
- The company benefits from its leading position in manufacturing technology, supplying critical equipment for semiconductor fabrication globally.
- Applied Materials maintains a lower dividend yield but has a solid balance sheet and consistent cash flow generation.
Considerations
- Applied Materials is exposed to capital expenditure cycles in the semiconductor industry, making its revenues sensitive to market downturns.
- The company's trailing and forward P/E ratios are higher than Qualcomm's, suggesting a relatively more expensive valuation.
- Recent earnings estimate revisions for Applied Materials are less positive compared to some competitors, indicating weaker near-term outlook momentum.
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