Morgan Stanley (MS) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)

A side-by-side comparison of Morgan Stanley and Microsoft Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: MS is classified in Financial Services; MSFT is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnMS vs MSFT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
MS +3541.6%MSFT +7603.0%MSFT compounded faster
02k4k6k8k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,642$7,703
MS MSFT

MS vs MSFT: by the numbers

  • MSFT is the larger company ($2.90T vs $320.49B market cap).
  • MS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.23 vs 21.76 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 15.99% net margin).
  • MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 14.57% CAGR).
  • MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.91%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMSMSFT
P/E ratio17.2321.76
Forward P/E16.4522.97
P/S ratio2.668.77
P/B ratio2.956.58
PEG ratio0.600.66
EV / EBITDAN/A15.58
FCF yieldN/A2.30%

Profitability

MetricMSMSFT
Gross margin59.72%67.94%
Operating margin20.70%46.78%
Net margin15.99%40.31%
ROE17.70%30.23%
ROIC1.69%20.56%

Dividends

MetricMSMSFT
Dividend yield1.89%0.91%
Payout ratio38.68%19.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMSMSFT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)18.41%14.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.56%17.26%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A3.60%
Total return CAGR (5Y)20.91%7.27%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MS or MSFT?
MS has the lower trailing P/E: MS trades at 17.23 and MSFT at 21.76. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MS or MSFT?
Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — MS at a 18.41% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.57%.
Does MS or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
MS yields 1.89% and MSFT yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MS or MSFT more profitable?
MSFT runs the higher net margin — MS at 15.99% versus MSFT at 40.31%.
How have MS and MSFT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MS delivered 25.44% and MSFT delivered 22.80% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 29, 2026.