Microsoft vs Oracle (MSFT vs ORCL)
Microsoft (MSFT) vs Oracle (ORCL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Microsoft (MSFT) and Oracle (ORCL) compete in software and cloud. Here are Microsoft and Oracle 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 Oracle.
Microsoft vs Oracle: the figures
| Figure | Microsoft | Oracle |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $555.80 (November 4, 2026) | $123.73 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $4.13 trillion | $375.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.0x | 19.4x |
| Forward P/E | 23.0x | 11.2x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +18.8% | +29.6% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 41.2% | 26.4% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.3x | 3.8x |
| Dividend yield | 0.75% | 1.58% |
| Beta | 1.04 | 1.78 |
Microsoft and Oracle figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Microsoft or Oracle figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Microsoft and Oracle
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Microsoft keeps 41.2 as net profit and Oracle keeps 26.4.
- Debt: Oracle owes 3.8x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Microsoft owes 0.3x its EBITDA.
- Valuation: Microsoft trades at 29.0x its annual earnings and Oracle at 19.4x; the market pays more for each dollar of Microsoft profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Microsoft or Oracle: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Oracle 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): Oracle pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Microsoft has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Oracle 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 Oracle 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 Oracle 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.
Oracle (ORCL)
Oracle sells software and cloud services to businesses. Its largest revenue line is Cloud Services and License Support, covering Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, applications such as Fusion and NetSuite, and support for its database. It also earns money from new licenses, hardware and services. The Americas are its main region. Full Oracle analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Microsoft vs Oracle
Is Microsoft or Oracle the better stock?
Choosing between Microsoft and Oracle depends on what you are looking for. Oracle is growing faster right now, and Oracle trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Microsoft or Oracle: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Microsoft or Oracle?
As of November 4, 2026, Oracle yields 1.58% and Microsoft yields 0.75%. Also check how much of their profit Microsoft and Oracle pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Microsoft or Oracle?
On P/E, Microsoft (29.0x) is more expensive than Oracle (19.4x) 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 Oracle?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Microsoft and Oracle, 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 Oracle.
More comparisons with Microsoft or Oracle
More companies like Microsoft and Oracle: software and cloud stocks. Educational content about Microsoft and Oracle, not investment advice.