MSFT vs VRSN
Microsoft Corporation compared with VeriSign, Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- VRSN yields more today: 1.15% vs 0.74% (forward).
- Both pay every quarter.
- MSFT has the longer streak of annual increases: 16 years vs 0.
- Over the last year VRSN delivered the higher total return: +4.4% vs -1.8% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | MSFT | VRSN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $493.95 | $282.20 |
| TTM yield | 0.74% | 1.13% |
| Forward yield | 0.74% | 1.15% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.64 | $3.24 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 19, 2026 (est.) | Nov 19, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 20% | 34% |
| 1-year payout growth | +9.6% | — |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +10.2% | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | 16 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 92/100 | 98/100 |
| 1-year total return | -1.8% | +4.4% |
| 1-year price return | -2.5% | +3.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 3.7T | 25.5B |
| Years paying | 23.6 | 15.7 |
| 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 | VRSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 20.2 | 35.4 |
| Income per year | $74 | $115 |
| Income per month (avg) | $6 | $10 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model MSFT · Model VRSN
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. |
| VRSN Nov 19, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | $0.81 | Est. |
| VRSN Feb 19, 2027 | Feb 27, 2027 | $0.81 | Est. |
| VRSN May 22, 2027 | May 30, 2027 | $0.81 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MSFTVRSN
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 VRSN?
VRSN currently has the higher trailing yield: MSFT yields 0.74% and VRSN yields 1.13%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MSFT and VRSN pay?
MSFT pays every quarter and VRSN pays every quarter. MSFT's next ex-date is Nov 19, 2026 and VRSN's is Nov 19, 2026.
Is MSFT or VRSN better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MSFT and VRSN 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.