Adobe (ADBE) vs Microsoft (MSFT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Microsoft (MSFT) has outperformed Adobe (ADBE) over the past year, losing 0.4% versus a loss of 30.9%. Over five years, MSFT leads with a +71.8% price change compared with -60.5% for ADBE. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.88 trillion vs $93.82 billion), about 41.4 times the size.
On valuation, Adobe trades at a lower forward P/E (8.7x vs 22.1x for Microsoft). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.70%, while Adobe does not currently pay one. Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 30.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ADBE | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $241.05 | $522.61 |
| Market cap | $93.82B | $3.88T |
| 1-day change | +3.56% | -1.35% |
| YTD return | -31.13% | +8.06% |
| 1-year return | -30.89% | -0.43% |
| 5-year return | -60.49% | +71.79% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 13.46 | 29.11 |
| Forward P/E | 8.71 | 22.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $17.91 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.70% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $23.77B | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.53% | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $7.13B | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | 89.27% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 36.63% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 30.00% | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $363.70 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $190.12 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -33.72% | -5.62% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.11% | +12.44% |
| Average volume | 5.05M | 27.86M |
| Shares outstanding | 389.20M | 7.43B |
| Employees | 31,360 | 223,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Microsoft is about 41.4 times larger than Adobe by market value ($3.88T vs $93.82B).
- MSFT has outperformed ADBE by 30.5 percentage points over the past year.
- Microsoft trades at a higher earnings multiple (29.1x vs 13.5x trailing P/E).
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 30.0 cents for Adobe.
- Microsoft grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.79% vs +10.53%).
About Adobe
ADBE stock →Adobe Inc. operates as a technology company worldwide.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 31,360 employees
About Microsoft
MSFT stock →Microsoft Corporation, a technology company, develops and supports a portfolio of technology solutions for individuals and businesses worldwide. Its products include operating systems, server applications, business solution applications, software development tools, desktop and server management tools, and video games; and devices, such as PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, other intelligent devices, and related accessories.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 223,000 employees
ADBE vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, Adobe or Microsoft?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.88T compared with $93.82B for Adobe (ADBE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ADBE or MSFT?
MSFT returned -0.43% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.89% for ADBE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ADBE or MSFT?
ADBE has the lower trailing P/E at 13.5, versus 29.1 for MSFT. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Adobe or Microsoft?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.70%, while Adobe does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Adobe and Microsoft in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.