Between Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors, Which Stock Looks Set to Break Out?
NXP Semiconductors surged 5.4% during the past day. You may be tempted to buy more or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Qualcomm gives you more. Qualcomm (QCOM) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in QCOM
- QCOM’s Last 12 months’ revenue growth was 5.2%, vs. NXPI’s 2.4%.
- In addition, its Last 3-year average revenue growth came in at 3.3%, ahead of NXPI’s -1.4%.
- QCOM’s LTM margin is higher: 25.6% vs. NXPI’s 25.5%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how NXPI’s fundamentals stack up against those of QCOM on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| NXPI | QCOM | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 24.4 | 18.9 | QCOM |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 12.2% | -3.5% | NXPI |
| Last 12 Months | 2.4% | 5.2% | QCOM |
| Last 3 Year Average | -1.4% | 3.3% | QCOM |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 25.5% | 25.6% | QCOM |
| Last 3 Year Average | 26.8% | 26.0% | NXPI |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 87.4% | 104.8% | QCOM |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell QCOM Stock and Buy or Sell NXPI Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| NXPI Return | 45% | -29% | 48% | -8% | 6% | 36% | 103% | <=== | |
| QCOM Return | 22% | -39% | 35% | 8% | 14% | 15% | 44% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 7% | 96% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| NXPI Win Rate | 75% | 25% | 58% | 25% | 50% | 80% | 52% | ||
| QCOM Win Rate | 58% | 33% | 50% | 33% | 50% | 40% | 44% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 60% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| NXPI Max Drawdown | -19% | -40% | -24% | -28% | -37% | -25% | -29% | ||
| QCOM Max Drawdown | -25% | -44% | -25% | -33% | -29% | -32% | -31% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | -13% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/20/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read QCOM Dip Buyer Analyses and NXPI Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about NXPI or QCOM? Consider a portfolio approach.
Smart Investing Begins With Portfolios
Individual stocks can soar or tank, but one thing matters: staying invested. The right portfolio can help you stay invested, capture upside, and mitigate the downside associated with any individual stock.
Beating the market consistently is hard, but the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio makes it look achievable. By selecting 30 high-conviction stocks, the HQ strategy has historically outpaced the S&P 500, S&P Mid-cap, and Russell 2000. See how this curated selection delivers superior risk-adjusted returns in our detailed performance factsheet.