Salesforce (CRM) 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 Salesforce (CRM) over the past year, losing 0.4% versus a loss of 6.3%. Over five years, MSFT leads with a +71.8% price change compared with -23.0% for CRM. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.88 trillion vs $187.48 billion), about 20.7 times the size.
On valuation, Salesforce trades at a lower forward P/E (14.2x vs 22.1x for Microsoft). Salesforce offers the higher dividend yield (0.75% vs 0.70%). Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 18.0%.
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 | CRM | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $227.80 | $522.61 |
| Market cap | $187.48B | $3.88T |
| 1-day change | +1.44% | -1.35% |
| YTD return | -15.23% | +8.06% |
| 1-year return | -6.33% | -0.43% |
| 5-year return | -23.01% | +71.79% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.84 | 29.11 |
| Forward P/E | 14.22 | 22.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $10.93 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 0.75% | 0.70% |
| Annual dividend | $1.71 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $41.52B | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.58% | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $7.46B | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | 77.68% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 20.06% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 17.96% | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $269.11 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $146.32 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -15.35% | -5.62% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +24.39% | +12.44% |
| Average volume | 13.39M | 27.86M |
| Shares outstanding | 823.00M | 7.43B |
| Employees | 83,334 | 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 20.7 times larger than Salesforce by market value ($3.88T vs $187.48B).
- Microsoft trades at a higher earnings multiple (29.1x vs 20.8x trailing P/E).
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 18.0 cents for Salesforce.
- Microsoft grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.79% vs +9.58%).
About Salesforce
CRM stock →Salesforce, Inc. provides customer relationship management technology services that connect companies and customers together in the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 83,334 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
CRM vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, Salesforce or Microsoft?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.88T compared with $187.48B for Salesforce (CRM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CRM or MSFT?
MSFT returned -0.43% over the past 12 months, compared with -6.33% for CRM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CRM or MSFT?
CRM has the lower trailing P/E at 20.8, 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, Salesforce or Microsoft?
Salesforce has the higher yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.70% for Microsoft.
Are Salesforce and Microsoft in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.