Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Corporation and Target 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: MSFT is classified in Technology; TGT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
TGT
Target Corporation
$155.83Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MSFT vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMSFT +875.9% (+25.6%/yr)TGT +207.6% (+11.9%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
MSFT TGT
MSFT vs TGT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $70.78B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.16 vs 27.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 4.08% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (2.91% vs 0.74%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MSFT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 27.61 | 16.16 |
| Forward P/E | 25.13 | 15.46 |
| P/S ratio | 11.09 | 0.66 |
| P/B ratio | 8.32 | 3.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.55 | 9.14 |
| FCF yield | 1.82% | 6.43% |
Profitability
| Metric | MSFT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 67.94% | 29.30% |
| Operating margin | 46.78% | 5.59% |
| Net margin | 40.31% | 4.08% |
| ROE | 30.23% | 24.61% |
| ROIC | 20.90% | 11.35% |
Dividends
| Metric | MSFT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.74% | 2.91% |
| Payout ratio | 20.28% | 47.51% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MSFT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.57% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.26% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 3.60% | -6.17% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 11.66% | -5.58% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MSFT or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: MSFT trades at 27.61 and TGT at 16.16. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MSFT or TGT?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — MSFT at a 14.57% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does MSFT or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- MSFT yields 0.74% and TGT yields 2.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MSFT or TGT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — MSFT at 40.31% versus TGT at 4.08%.
- How have MSFT and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MSFT delivered 25.72% and TGT delivered 11.93% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Microsoft P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioMicrosoft dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldMicrosoft ROETarget ROEMicrosoft operating marginTarget operating marginMicrosoft revenue growthTarget revenue growthMicrosoft free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Microsoft & Target 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 September 11, 2026.