Dollar General Corporation (DG) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
A side-by-side comparison of Dollar General Corporation and Microsoft Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: DG is classified in Consumer Defensive; MSFT is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$124.58Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — DG vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yDG +93.7% (+6.8%/yr)MSFT +861.8% (+25.4%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
DG MSFT
DG vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $27.48B market cap).
- •DG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.20 vs 27.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 3.90% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs 5.32% CAGR).
- •DG pays the higher dividend yield (1.92% vs 0.74%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | DG | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.20 | 27.61 |
| Forward P/E | 15.81 | 25.13 |
| P/S ratio | 0.63 | 11.09 |
| P/B ratio | 2.96 | 8.32 |
| EV / EBITDA | 11.77 | 19.55 |
| FCF yield | 9.83% | 1.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | DG | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 31.16% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 5.59% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 3.90% | 40.31% |
| ROE | 18.34% | 30.23% |
| ROIC | 7.47% | 20.90% |
Dividends
| Metric | DG | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.92% | 0.74% |
| Payout ratio | 30.69% | 20.28% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | DG | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.32% | 14.57% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -8.48% | 17.26% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 18.33% | 3.60% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -9.30% | 11.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, DG or MSFT?
- DG has the lower trailing P/E: DG trades at 16.20 and MSFT at 27.61. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, DG or MSFT?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — DG at a 5.32% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.57%.
- Does DG or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- DG yields 1.92% and MSFT yields 0.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is DG or MSFT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — DG at 3.90% versus MSFT at 40.31%.
- How have DG and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, DG delivered 7.16% and MSFT delivered 25.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Dollar General P/E ratioMicrosoft P/E ratioDollar General dividend yieldMicrosoft dividend yieldDollar General ROEMicrosoft ROEDollar General operating marginMicrosoft operating marginDollar General revenue growthMicrosoft revenue growthDollar General free cash flowMicrosoft free cash flow
Dollar General & Microsoft appear in these rankings
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Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.