BDC 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 8 head-to-head metrics. MSFT offers the higher yield at 0.74%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and BDC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price).
Key facts: BDC vs MSFT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.74%, versus 0.19% for Belden Inc. (BDC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BDC's dividend safety A (95/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BDC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BDC pays out 3% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BDC's fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so BDC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BDC vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bdc-vs-msft
| Metric | BDC | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.19% | 0.74% |
| Annual dividend | $0.20 | $3.92 |
| Payout ratio | 3% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 10.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 67% | 60% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $122.96 | $308.36 |
| Upside to fair value | +20% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $4.0B | $3.9T |
| P/E ratio | 16.7 | 29.5 |
Higher yield
MSFT
0.74%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
BDC
+20% upside
BDC vs MSFT — FAQ
Is BDC or MSFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MSFT offers the higher yield (0.74%), 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, BDC or MSFT?
MSFT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.74%, versus 0.19% for BDC.
Is BDC or MSFT safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 95/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BDC or MSFT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BDC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price (undervalued). 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.