ESE vs MSFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 1, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MSFT offers the higher yield at 0.77%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MSFT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price).
Key facts: ESE vs MSFT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 1, 2026, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.77%, versus 0.12% for ESCO Technologies Inc. (ESE).
- As of Oct 1, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESE's dividend safety A (95/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 1, 2026, ESE has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, ESE pays out 6% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, ESE's fair-value estimate is 58% below its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price, so MSFT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ESE vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 1, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ese-vs-msft
| Metric | ESE | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.12% | 0.77% |
| Annual dividend | $0.32 | $3.92 |
| Payout ratio | 6% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 10.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 217% | 56% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $112.06 | $307.58 |
| Upside to fair value | -58% | -40% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $6.9B | $3.8T |
| P/E ratio | 49.2 | 28.5 |
Higher yield
MSFT
0.77%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
MSFT
-40% upside
ESE vs MSFT — FAQ
Is ESE or MSFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MSFT offers the higher yield (0.77%), 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, ESE or MSFT?
MSFT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.77%, versus 0.12% for ESE.
Is ESE or MSFT safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 95/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESE or MSFT better value right now?
As of Oct 1, 2026, MSFT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price (overvalued). For ESE, its fair-value estimate is 58% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.