Appian (APPN) 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
Appian (APPN) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 28.0% versus a gain of 1.1%. Over five years, MSFT leads with a +74.1% price change compared with -58.9% for APPN. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.93 trillion vs $2.70 billion), about 1454.4 times the size.
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 26.6x for Appian). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Appian does not currently pay one.
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 | APPN | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $37.76 | $529.76 |
| Market cap | $2.70B | $3.93T |
| 1-day change | +1.37% | +0.09% |
| YTD return | +6.61% | +9.54% |
| 1-year return | +27.96% | +1.10% |
| 5-year return | -58.95% | +74.14% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 29.51 |
| Forward P/E | 26.63 | 22.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-0.14 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.69% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | — | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | — | 46.78% |
| Net margin | — | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $46.06 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $18.63 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.02% | -4.33% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -9.96% | +10.92% |
| Average volume | 852.19K | 28.00M |
| Shares outstanding | 40.54M | 7.43B |
| Employees | 2,149 | 223,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Software - Infrastructure | Software - Infrastructure |
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 1454.4 times larger than Appian by market value ($3.93T vs $2.70B).
- APPN has outperformed MSFT by 26.9 percentage points over the past year.
About Appian
APPN stock →Appian Corporation operates as a software company in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers The Appian Platform, an integrated automation platform that enables organizations to design, automate, and optimize critical business processes.
Technology · Software - Infrastructure · 2,149 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 · Software - Infrastructure · 223,000 employees
APPN vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, Appian or Microsoft?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.93T compared with $2.70B for Appian (APPN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, APPN or MSFT?
APPN returned +27.96% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.10% for MSFT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Appian or Microsoft?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Appian does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Appian and Microsoft in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Software - Infrastructure industry within the Technology sector.