MSFT vs VRSN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. VRSN offers the higher yield at 1.05%, MSFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and VRSN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price).
Key facts: MSFT vs VRSN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.05%, versus 0.74% for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MSFT has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years and VRSN for 0.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MSFT pays out 19% of its earnings as dividends and VRSN pays out 34%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MSFT's fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price and VRSN's fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price, so VRSN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MSFT vs VRSN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/msft-vs-vrsn
| Metric | MSFT | VRSN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.74% | 1.05% |
| Annual dividend | $3.92 | $3.24 |
| Payout ratio | 19% | 34% |
| Years of growth | 20 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 61% | 29% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | — |
| Fair value estimate | $324.21 | $229.74 |
| Upside to fair value | -39% | -26% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.9T | $27.7B |
| P/E ratio | 27.7 | 33.2 |
Higher yield
VRSN
1.05%
Safer dividend
MSFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MSFT
10.2%
Better value
VRSN
-26% upside
MSFT vs VRSN — FAQ
Is MSFT or VRSN a better dividend stock?
On the data, MSFT wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). VRSN offers the higher yield (1.05%), 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 VRSN?
VRSN has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.05%, versus 0.74% for MSFT.
Is MSFT or VRSN safer?
Compare each stock's payout ratio, growth streak and cut history on its detail page to judge safety.
Is MSFT or VRSN better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, VRSN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price (overvalued). For MSFT, its fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.