CTSH vs MSFT
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation compared with Microsoft Corporation on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
CTSH
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation
TTM yield · Quarterly
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- CTSH yields more today: 2.20% vs 0.74% (forward).
- MSFT has grown its payout faster: 10.2%/yr vs 6.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- MSFT has the longer streak of annual increases: 16 years vs 6.
- Over the last year MSFT delivered the higher total return: -1.8% vs -15.3% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | CTSH | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $59.92 | $493.95 |
| TTM yield | 2.17% | 0.74% |
| Forward yield | 2.20% | 0.74% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.32 | $3.64 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 17, 2026 (est.) | Nov 19, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 27% | 20% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.7% | +9.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +6.7% | +10.2% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 6 years | 16 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 96/100 | 92/100 |
| 1-year total return | -15.3% | -1.8% |
| 1-year price return | -17.1% | -2.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 27.0B | 3.7T |
| Years paying | 9.3 | 23.6 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Technology | Technology |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| CTSH | MSFT | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 166.9 | 20.2 |
| Income per year | $220 | $74 |
| Income per month (avg) | $18 | $6 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model CTSH · Model MSFT
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTSH Nov 17, 2026 | Nov 25, 2026 | $0.33 | Est. |
| CTSH Feb 16, 2027 | Feb 24, 2027 | $0.33 | Est. |
| CTSH May 18, 2027 | May 26, 2027 | $0.33 | Est. |
| MSFT Nov 19, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $0.91 | Est. |
| MSFT Feb 18, 2027 | Mar 11, 2027 | $0.91 | Est. |
| MSFT May 20, 2027 | Jun 10, 2027 | $0.91 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
CTSHMSFT
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, CTSH or MSFT?
CTSH currently has the higher trailing yield: CTSH yields 2.17% and MSFT yields 0.74%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do CTSH and MSFT pay?
CTSH pays every quarter and MSFT pays every quarter. CTSH's next ex-date is Nov 17, 2026 and MSFT's is Nov 19, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, CTSH or MSFT?
MSFT has grown its payout faster: 10.2%/yr vs 6.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is CTSH or MSFT better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. CTSH and MSFT differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.