Microsoft vs Nvidia (MSFT vs NVDA)
Microsoft (MSFT) vs Nvidia (NVDA) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Microsoft (MSFT) and Nvidia (NVDA) are companies from different sectors (software and cloud and semiconductors) that many people compare. Here are Microsoft and Nvidia side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Microsoft or Nvidia.
Microsoft vs Nvidia: the figures
| Figure | Microsoft | Nvidia |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $555.80 (November 4, 2026) | $200.13 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $4.13 trillion | $4.83 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.0x | 25.3x |
| Forward P/E | 23.0x | 12.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +18.8% | +105.9% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 41.2% | 63.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.3x | Net cash |
| Dividend yield | 0.75% | 0.48% |
| Beta | 1.04 | 2.25 |
Microsoft and Nvidia figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Microsoft or Nvidia figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Microsoft and Nvidia
- Growth: Nvidia grew sales +105.9% year on year in its latest quarter, against +18.8% for Microsoft.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Nvidia keeps 63.7 as net profit and Microsoft keeps 41.2.
- Volatility: Nvidia stock moves more (beta 2.25) than Microsoft (beta 1.04); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Microsoft or Nvidia: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Nvidia is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Microsoft pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Nvidia has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Nvidia trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Microsoft nor Nvidia wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Microsoft and Nvidia make money
Microsoft (MSFT)
Microsoft reports three segments. Intelligent Cloud, the largest, includes the Azure cloud platform and server products. Productivity and Business Processes covers Office subscriptions, LinkedIn and Dynamics business software. More Personal Computing includes Windows licenses, Xbox consoles and games, Surface devices and Bing search advertising. Full Microsoft analysis.
Nvidia (NVDA)
Nvidia designs chips and relies on partners like TSMC to manufacture them. Data Center is by far its largest revenue source, selling AI accelerators such as Blackwell and networking gear to cloud providers and enterprises. The rest comes from Gaming with GeForce graphics cards, Professional Visualization and Automotive. Full Nvidia analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Microsoft vs Nvidia
Is Microsoft or Nvidia the better stock?
Choosing between Microsoft and Nvidia depends on what you are looking for. Nvidia is growing faster right now, and Nvidia trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Microsoft or Nvidia: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Microsoft or Nvidia?
As of November 4, 2026, Microsoft yields 0.75% and Nvidia yields 0.48%. Also check how much of their profit Microsoft and Nvidia pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Microsoft or Nvidia?
On P/E, Microsoft (29.0x) is more expensive than Nvidia (25.3x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Microsoft and Nvidia?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Microsoft and Nvidia, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Microsoft or Nvidia.
More comparisons with Microsoft or Nvidia
More companies like Microsoft and Nvidia: software and cloud stocks and semiconductors stocks. Educational content about Microsoft and Nvidia, not investment advice.