MLAB vs MSFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MSFT offers the higher yield at 0.74%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MLAB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price).
Key facts: MLAB 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 0.52% for Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (MLAB).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MLAB's dividend safety A (90/100) and MSFT's A (97/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MLAB has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MSFT for 20.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MLAB pays out 75% of its earnings as dividends and MSFT pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MLAB's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price and MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price, so MLAB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MLAB vs MSFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mlab-vs-msft
| Metric | MLAB | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 0.74% |
| Annual dividend | $0.64 | $3.92 |
| Payout ratio | 75% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 10.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -60% | 60% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 97 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $157.16 | $308.36 |
| Upside to fair value | +28% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $685.4M | $3.9T |
| P/E ratio | 144.1 | 29.5 |
Higher yield
MSFT
0.74%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
MLAB
+28% upside
MLAB vs MSFT — FAQ
Is MLAB or MSFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). 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, MLAB or MSFT?
MSFT has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.74%, versus 0.52% for MLAB.
Is MLAB or MSFT safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MLAB or MSFT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MLAB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% 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.