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 July 28, 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
$562.75Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$393.35TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20yMA +12644.3%MSFT +2348.0%MA compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
MA MSFT
MA vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($2.92T vs $497.23B market cap).
- •MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.16 vs 31.93 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (45.88% vs 39.34% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs 14.75% CAGR).
- •MSFT pays the higher dividend yield (0.91% vs 0.59%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.93 | 23.16 |
| Forward P/E | 28.09 | 22.87 |
| P/S ratio | 14.52 | 9.10 |
| P/B ratio | 73.29 | 6.99 |
| PEG ratio | 1.83 | 2.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 15.53 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 2.52% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 82.96% | 68.31% |
| Operating margin | 59.40% | 46.80% |
| Net margin | 45.88% | 39.34% |
| ROE | 231.63% | 30.22% |
| ROIC | 48.63% | 21.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.59% | 0.91% |
| Payout ratio | 19.70% | 25.99% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 17.05% | 14.75% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | 18.68% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 6.27% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.55% | 7.19% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or MSFT?
- MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.93 and MSFT at 23.16. 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 17.05% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.75%.
- Does MA or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.59% and MSFT yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or MSFT more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 45.88% versus MSFT at 39.34%.
- How have MA and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 20.01% and MSFT delivered 22.86% 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 growthMastercard free cash flowMicrosoft free cash flow
Mastercard & Microsoft appear in these rankings
Related comparisons
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 July 28, 2026.