Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated 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: MA is classified in Financial Services; MSFT is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)MSFT +861.8% (+25.4%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
MA MSFT
MA vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $499.20B market cap).
- •MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.61 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 40.31% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 14.57% CAGR).
- •MSFT pays the higher dividend yield (0.74% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.31 | 27.61 |
| Forward P/E | 28.52 | 25.13 |
| P/S ratio | 14.23 | 11.09 |
| P/B ratio | 88.97 | 8.32 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 19.55 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 1.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 100.00% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 59.84% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 46.34% | 40.31% |
| ROE | 289.73% | 30.23% |
| ROIC | N/A | 20.90% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.60% | 0.74% |
| Payout ratio | 18.54% | 20.28% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.09% | 14.57% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | 17.26% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 3.60% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.88% | 11.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or MSFT?
- MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 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, MA or MSFT?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 16.09% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.57%.
- Does MA or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.60% and MSFT yields 0.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or MSFT more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus MSFT at 40.31%.
- How have MA and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% and MSFT delivered 25.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mastercard P/E ratioMicrosoft P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldMicrosoft dividend yieldMastercard ROEMicrosoft ROEMastercard operating marginMicrosoft operating marginMastercard revenue growthMicrosoft revenue growthMicrosoft free cash flow
Mastercard & 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.