MSFT vs PAYX
Microsoft Corporation compared with Paychex, Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- PAYX yields more today: 4.07% vs 0.74% (forward).
- PAYX has grown its payout faster: 12.1%/yr vs 10.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- MSFT has the longer streak of annual increases: 16 years vs 5.
- Over the last year MSFT delivered the higher total return: -1.8% vs -12.9% (price change plus payouts).
- MSFT raises fewer payout-risk flags on our heuristic (low vs low).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | MSFT | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $493.95 | $116.93 |
| TTM yield | 0.74% | 3.88% |
| Forward yield | 0.74% | 4.07% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.64 | $4.76 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 19, 2026 (est.) | Oct 27, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 20% | 91% |
| 1-year payout growth | +9.6% | +10.2% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +10.2% | +12.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 16 years | 5 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 92/100 | 91/100 |
| 1-year total return | -1.8% | -12.9% |
| 1-year price return | -2.5% | -16.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 3.7T | 41.6B |
| Years paying | 23.6 | 37.8 |
| 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
| MSFT | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 20.2 | 85.5 |
| Income per year | $74 | $407 |
| Income per month (avg) | $6 | $34 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model MSFT · Model PAYX
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| PAYX Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | $1.19 | Est. |
| PAYX Jan 26, 2027 | Feb 15, 2027 | $1.19 | Est. |
| PAYX Apr 27, 2027 | May 17, 2027 | $1.19 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MSFTPAYX
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, MSFT or PAYX?
PAYX currently has the higher trailing yield: MSFT yields 0.74% and PAYX yields 3.88%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MSFT and PAYX pay?
MSFT pays every quarter and PAYX pays every quarter. MSFT's next ex-date is Nov 19, 2026 and PAYX's is Oct 27, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, MSFT or PAYX?
PAYX has grown its payout faster: 12.1%/yr vs 10.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is MSFT or PAYX better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MSFT and PAYX 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.