MSFT vs ST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ST offers the higher yield at 1.18%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and ST looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price).
Key facts: MSFT vs ST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Sensata Technologies Holding plc (ST) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.18%, versus 0.74% for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MSFT's dividend safety A (97/100) and ST's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years and ST for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT pays out 20% of its earnings as dividends and ST pays out 80%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MSFT's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price and ST's fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price, so ST looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MSFT vs ST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/msft-vs-st
| Metric | MSFT | ST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.74% | 1.18% |
| Annual dividend | $3.92 | $0.48 |
| Payout ratio | 20% | 80% |
| Years of growth | 20 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 60% | -27% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $308.36 | $26.05 |
| Upside to fair value | -42% | -36% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.9T | $5.9B |
| P/E ratio | 29.5 | 67.6 |
Higher yield
ST
1.18%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
ST
-36% upside
MSFT vs ST — FAQ
Is MSFT or ST a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). ST offers the higher yield (1.18%), 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, MSFT or ST?
ST has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.18%, versus 0.74% for MSFT.
Is MSFT or ST safer?
MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 74/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MSFT or ST better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ST looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% below its share price (overvalued). 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.