CrowdStrike (CRWD) vs Microsoft (MSFT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
CrowdStrike (CRWD) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 119.4% versus a gain of 1.5%. Over five years, CRWD leads with a +289.3% price change compared with +74.8% for MSFT. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.93 trillion vs $271.79 billion), about 14.5 times the size, while CrowdStrike is growing revenue faster (+21.7% vs +17.8%).
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 165.3x for CrowdStrike). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while CrowdStrike does not currently pay one. Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus -3.4%.
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 | CRWD | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $265.44 | $529.76 |
| Market cap | $271.79B | $3.93T |
| 1-day change | -4.81% | +0.09% |
| YTD return | +126.83% | +9.94% |
| 1-year return | +119.40% | +1.47% |
| 5-year return | +289.32% | +74.78% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 29.51 |
| Forward P/E | 165.29 | 22.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.05 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.69% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.81B | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +21.71% | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-162.50M | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | 74.67% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | -6.10% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | -3.38% | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $286.99 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $85.68 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -7.51% | -4.33% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -10.42% | +10.92% |
| Average volume | 9.55M | 28.00M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.02B | 7.43B |
| Employees | 11,706 | 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 14.5 times larger than CrowdStrike by market value ($3.93T vs $271.79B).
- CRWD has outperformed MSFT by 117.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -3.4 cents for CrowdStrike.
About CrowdStrike
CRWD stock →CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions in the United States and internationally.
Technology · Software - Infrastructure · 11,706 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
CRWD vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, CrowdStrike or Microsoft?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.93T compared with $271.79B for CrowdStrike (CRWD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CRWD or MSFT?
CRWD returned +119.40% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.47% for MSFT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, CrowdStrike or Microsoft?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while CrowdStrike does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are CrowdStrike and Microsoft in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Software - Infrastructure industry within the Technology sector.