GEN vs MSFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GEN offers the higher yield at 2.07%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and GEN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price).
Key facts: GEN vs MSFT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.07%, versus 0.74% for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GEN's dividend safety B (72/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, GEN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, GEN pays out 29% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, GEN's fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so GEN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GEN vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gen-vs-msft
| Metric | GEN | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.07% | 0.74% |
| Annual dividend | $0.50 | $3.92 |
| Payout ratio | 29% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 10.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -3% | 60% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $33.61 | $308.36 |
| Upside to fair value | +39% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $14.5B | $3.9T |
| P/E ratio | 14.1 | 29.5 |
Higher yield
GEN
2.07%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
GEN
+39% upside
GEN vs MSFT — FAQ
Is GEN or MSFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). GEN offers the higher yield (2.07%), 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, GEN or MSFT?
GEN has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.07%, versus 0.74% for MSFT.
Is GEN or MSFT safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GEN or MSFT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, GEN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 39% 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.