GLW vs. QCOM: Which Tech-Materials Stock is the Better Buy Now?

Core Insights - Corning Incorporated (GLW) and Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) are significant players in the smartphone and communications value chain, with Corning being a leader in glass substrate innovation and Qualcomm specializing in high-performance chip designs [1][2]. Corning (GLW) - Corning is experiencing improved demand and commercialization of innovations, particularly in fiber optic solutions, which are expected to drive growth due to the increasing use of mobile devices and cloud computing [4][5]. - The company has reorganized its operating structure into five Market-Access Platforms, enhancing efficiency and creating synergies across various industries, including Mobile Consumer Electronics and Optical Communications [6]. - However, Corning's revenue is heavily reliant on the Display and Optical segments, which are sensitive to consumer spending, and the company faces challenges in expanding its market position in China amid U.S.-China trade tensions [7]. Qualcomm (QCOM) - Qualcomm is well-positioned for long-term revenue growth, driven by strong 5G adoption and a diversified revenue stream, transitioning from a mobile communications firm to a connected processor company [8][9]. - The company is seeing growth in EDGE networking and automotive connectivity, which are transforming various sectors, including smart factories and connected vehicles [10]. - Despite its strengths, Qualcomm faces intense competition in the AI PC market from Intel and in the premium smartphone market from Samsung, along with potential impacts from U.S.-China trade hostilities [13][14]. Financial Performance and Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Corning's 2025 sales indicates an 11.1% year-over-year increase, with EPS growth projected at 26% [15]. - Qualcomm's fiscal 2025 sales are expected to grow by 12%, with EPS rising by 16.3%, although EPS estimates have remained flat over the past 60 days [16]. - Over the past year, Corning's stock has surged by 79.8%, while Qualcomm has only gained 0.7% [18]. Valuation and Investment Outlook - From a valuation perspective, Corning's shares trade at a price/sales ratio of 4.24, slightly higher than Qualcomm's 4.12 [20]. - Corning holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while Qualcomm has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a more favorable investment outlook for Corning based on current trends and market positioning [21][22].