Applied Materials vs Qualcomm (AMAT vs QCOM)

Applied Materials (AMAT) vs Qualcomm (QCOM) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Applied Materials (AMAT) and Qualcomm (QCOM) compete in semiconductors. Here are Applied Materials and Qualcomm side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Applied Materials or Qualcomm.

Applied Materials vs Qualcomm: the figures

Applied Materials and Qualcomm figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Applied Materials or Qualcomm figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Applied Materials and Qualcomm

1. Growth: Applied Materials grew sales +24.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against -4.0% for Qualcomm.
2. Valuation: Applied Materials trades at 31.9x its annual earnings and Qualcomm at 20.0x; the market pays more for each dollar of Applied Materials profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Applied Materials keeps 30.1 as net profit and Qualcomm keeps 21.0.

Applied Materials or Qualcomm: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Applied Materials is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Qualcomm pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Applied Materials has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Qualcomm trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Applied Materials nor Qualcomm wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Applied Materials and Qualcomm make money

Applied Materials (AMAT)

Applied Materials builds the equipment chipmakers use to deposit, etch and inspect layers on silicon wafers. Its Semiconductor Systems segment brings in most revenue, while Applied Global Services sells spare parts, upgrades and service contracts for machines already installed. Key customers include TSMC, Samsung and Intel, with Asia as the largest market. Full Applied Materials analysis.

Qualcomm (QCOM)

Qualcomm has two businesses. QCT, the larger, sells Snapdragon processors and modems for smartphones, plus chips for cars and IoT devices. QTL collects royalties from phone makers licensing its wireless patents. Its customers include handset makers such as Apple, Samsung and Chinese brands. Full Qualcomm analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Applied Materials vs Qualcomm

Is Applied Materials or Qualcomm the better stock?

Choosing between Applied Materials and Qualcomm depends on what you are looking for. Applied Materials is growing faster right now, and Qualcomm trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Applied Materials or Qualcomm: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Applied Materials or Qualcomm?

As of November 4, 2026, Qualcomm yields 2.24% and Applied Materials yields 0.56%. Also check how much of their profit Applied Materials and Qualcomm pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Applied Materials or Qualcomm?

On P/E, Applied Materials (31.9x) is more expensive than Qualcomm (20.0x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Applied Materials and Qualcomm?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Applied Materials and Qualcomm, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Applied Materials or Qualcomm.

More comparisons with Applied Materials or Qualcomm

• Applied Materials vs Intel
• Applied Materials vs Texas Instruments
• Applied Materials vs Broadcom
• Intel vs Qualcomm

More companies like Applied Materials and Qualcomm: semiconductors stocks. Educational content about Applied Materials and Qualcomm, not investment advice.