Between First Solar and Qualcomm, Which Stock Looks Set to Break Out?
Qualcomm surged 11% during the past week. 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 First Solar gives you more. First Solar (FSLR) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Qualcomm (QCOM) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in FSLR
- FSLR’s quarterly revenue growth was 23.6%, vs. QCOM’s -3.5%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 27.3%, ahead of QCOM’s 5.2%.
- FSLR leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 31.8% and 3-year average of 31.7%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how QCOM’s fundamentals stack up against those of FSLR on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| QCOM | FSLR | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 19.9 | 15.9 | FSLR |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | -3.5% | 23.6% | FSLR |
| Last 12 Months | 5.2% | 27.3% | FSLR |
| Last 3 Year Average | 3.3% | 24.7% | FSLR |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 25.6% | 31.8% | FSLR |
| Last 3 Year Average | 26.0% | 31.7% | FSLR |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 85.3% | 34.8% | 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.
- Qualcomm Stock’s Next Chapter Might Be Written In The Cloud
- Qualcomm Stock Shines Now But Storms Hit Hard
- What Lit a Fire Under Qualcomm Stock?
- Stronger Bet Than Qualcomm Stock: FSLR Delivers More
- How Qualcomm Cashes In On The $600 Billion AI Binge
- What QCOM Options Know That The Stock Price Won’t Tell You
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell FSLR Stock and Buy or Sell QCOM 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 | |||||||||
| QCOM Return | 22% | -39% | 35% | 8% | 14% | 26% | 58% | ||
| FSLR Return | -12% | 72% | 15% | 2% | 48% | 1% | 167% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 10% | 100% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| QCOM Win Rate | 58% | 33% | 50% | 33% | 50% | 33% | 43% | ||
| FSLR Win Rate | 50% | 50% | 50% | 58% | 58% | 50% | 53% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| QCOM Max Drawdown | -25% | -44% | -25% | -33% | -29% | -32% | -31% | ||
| FSLR Max Drawdown | -35% | -31% | -43% | -42% | -39% | -33% | -37% | ||
| 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 6/17/2026 (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 FSLR Dip Buyer Analyses and QCOM Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about QCOM or FSLR? Consider a portfolio approach.
Portfolios Win When Stock Picks Fall Short
Individual stocks are unpredictable. A smart portfolio helps you invest, limits downside shocks, and provides upside exposure.
The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? HQ Portfolio has posted more than 105% in cumulative return since inception, with less risk versus the benchmark index, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.