SmarterDividends

BMI vs MSFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BMI and MSFT are closely matched. BMI offers the higher yield at 1.39%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and BMI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price).

Key facts: BMI vs MSFT

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.39%, versus 0.74% for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BMI's dividend safety A (88/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BMI has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BMI pays out 37% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BMI's fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so BMI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "BMI vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bmi-vs-msft

MetricBMIMSFT
Forward yield1.39%0.74%
Annual dividend$1.76$3.92
Payout ratio37%20%
Years of growth21 yr20 yr
5-yr dividend growth16.2%10.2%
5-yr total return24%60%
Dividend safety score88 (A)97 (A)
Fair value estimate$106.83$308.36
Upside to fair value-16%-42%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$3.7B$3.9T
P/E ratio29.629.5

Higher yield

BMI

1.39%

Safer dividend

MSFT

Grade A

Faster growth

BMI

16.2%

Better value

BMI

-16% upside

BMI vs MSFT — FAQ

Is BMI or MSFT a better dividend stock?

BMI and MSFT are closely matched. BMI has the higher yield; MSFT scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, BMI or MSFT?

BMI has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.39%, versus 0.74% for MSFT.

Is BMI or MSFT safer?

MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is BMI or MSFT better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BMI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price (overvalued). For MSFT, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.