ATEN vs MSFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ATEN offers the higher yield at 0.98%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ATEN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: ATEN vs MSFT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, A10 Networks, Inc. (ATEN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.98%, versus 0.74% for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ATEN's dividend safety B (77/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ATEN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ATEN pays out 41% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ATEN's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so ATEN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ATEN vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aten-vs-msft
| Metric | ATEN | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.98% | 0.74% |
| Annual dividend | $0.24 | $3.92 |
| Payout ratio | 41% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 10.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 59% | 60% |
| Dividend safety score | 77 (B) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $18.73 | $308.36 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.8B | $3.9T |
| P/E ratio | 42.2 | 29.5 |
Higher yield
ATEN
0.98%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
ATEN
-23% upside
ATEN vs MSFT — FAQ
Is ATEN or MSFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). ATEN offers the higher yield (0.98%), while MSFT has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ATEN or MSFT?
ATEN has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.98%, versus 0.74% for MSFT.
Is ATEN or MSFT safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ATEN or MSFT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ATEN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For MSFT, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.