IBM vs. Qualcomm: Which Tech Stock Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio?
ByAinvest
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 12:15 pm ET1min read
IBM--
IBM: Cloud and Data Solutions for Enterprises
IBM (NYSE:IBM) offers cloud and data solutions for enterprises, leveraging its extensive experience in hybrid cloud and AI technologies. The company's recent campaign, "Let's create smarter business," highlights its approach to implementing AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum technologies for business transformation [1]. IBM is poised to benefit from healthy demand trends for hybrid cloud and AI, which drive its Software and Consulting segments. However, it faces stiff competition from AWS and Azure, and profitability has trended down over the years [2].
Qualcomm: High-Performance Chips and Comprehensive IP Portfolio
Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) provides high-performance chips and a comprehensive IP portfolio, focusing on 5G traction and a diversified revenue stream. The company is increasingly focusing on the seamless transition from a wireless communications firm to a connected processor company for the intelligent edge. Qualcomm is witnessing healthy traction in EDGE networking and has extended its Snapdragon G Series portfolio with next-generation gaming chipsets [2]. Despite efforts to ramp up its AI initiatives, Qualcomm faces tough competition from Intel in the AI PC market.
Investment Considerations
Both IBM and Qualcomm carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with IBM showing a relatively steady revenue growth for years and Qualcomm facing a bumpy road in terms of price performance. IBM is trading relatively cheaply compared to Qualcomm and appears to be better placed in the enterprise SaaS/AI transformation space. Consequently, IBM seems to be a better investment option at the moment [2].
References
[1] IBM addresses the AI adoption gap with 'Let's create smarter business' campaign. Retrieved from https://www.stocktitan.net/news/IBM/ibm-addresses-the-ai-adoption-gap-with-let-s-create-smarter-4g26p67ndpxm.html
[2] IBM vs. Qualcomm: Which tech stock deserves a spot in your portfolio now? Retrieved from https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/ibm-vs-qcom-which-tech-stock-deserves-spot-your-portfolio-now
QCOM--
IBM and Qualcomm are tech legacy firms pivoting towards growth areas like cloud computing and AI or chips and patent-driven innovations. IBM offers cloud and data solutions for enterprises, while Qualcomm provides high-performance chips and a comprehensive IP portfolio. IBM is poised to benefit from healthy demand trends for hybrid cloud and AI, but faces stiff competition from AWS and Azure. Qualcomm is well-positioned to meet its long-term revenue targets, driven by solid 5G traction and a diversified revenue stream. Both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, and investors should consider their competitive dynamics before making a decision.
As tech legacy firms, IBM and Qualcomm are pivoting towards growth areas like cloud computing and AI, or chips and patent-driven innovations. This shift is driven by the increasing demand for advanced technologies in various industries.IBM: Cloud and Data Solutions for Enterprises
IBM (NYSE:IBM) offers cloud and data solutions for enterprises, leveraging its extensive experience in hybrid cloud and AI technologies. The company's recent campaign, "Let's create smarter business," highlights its approach to implementing AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum technologies for business transformation [1]. IBM is poised to benefit from healthy demand trends for hybrid cloud and AI, which drive its Software and Consulting segments. However, it faces stiff competition from AWS and Azure, and profitability has trended down over the years [2].
Qualcomm: High-Performance Chips and Comprehensive IP Portfolio
Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) provides high-performance chips and a comprehensive IP portfolio, focusing on 5G traction and a diversified revenue stream. The company is increasingly focusing on the seamless transition from a wireless communications firm to a connected processor company for the intelligent edge. Qualcomm is witnessing healthy traction in EDGE networking and has extended its Snapdragon G Series portfolio with next-generation gaming chipsets [2]. Despite efforts to ramp up its AI initiatives, Qualcomm faces tough competition from Intel in the AI PC market.
Investment Considerations
Both IBM and Qualcomm carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with IBM showing a relatively steady revenue growth for years and Qualcomm facing a bumpy road in terms of price performance. IBM is trading relatively cheaply compared to Qualcomm and appears to be better placed in the enterprise SaaS/AI transformation space. Consequently, IBM seems to be a better investment option at the moment [2].
References
[1] IBM addresses the AI adoption gap with 'Let's create smarter business' campaign. Retrieved from https://www.stocktitan.net/news/IBM/ibm-addresses-the-ai-adoption-gap-with-let-s-create-smarter-4g26p67ndpxm.html
[2] IBM vs. Qualcomm: Which tech stock deserves a spot in your portfolio now? Retrieved from https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/ibm-vs-qcom-which-tech-stock-deserves-spot-your-portfolio-now

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