Fortinet (FTNT) 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
Fortinet (FTNT) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 122.9% versus a gain of 1.1%. Over five years, FTNT leads with a +200.2% price change compared with +74.1% for MSFT. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.93 trillion vs $138.88 billion), about 28.3 times the size.
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 50.1x for Fortinet). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Fortinet does not currently pay one. Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 27.3%.
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 | FTNT | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $189.28 | $529.76 |
| Market cap | $138.88B | $3.93T |
| 1-day change | -1.04% | +0.09% |
| YTD return | +138.36% | +9.54% |
| 1-year return | +122.89% | +1.10% |
| 5-year return | +200.17% | +74.14% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 66.88 | 29.51 |
| Forward P/E | 50.10 | 22.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.83 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.69% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.80B | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +14.17% | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.85B | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | 80.46% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 30.66% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 27.26% | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $192.41 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $73.55 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -1.63% | -4.33% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -13.19% | +10.92% |
| Average volume | 4.62M | 28.00M |
| Shares outstanding | 733.71M | 7.43B |
| Employees | 15,472 | 223,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Computer peripheral equipment | 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 28.3 times larger than Fortinet by market value ($3.93T vs $138.88B).
- FTNT has outperformed MSFT by 121.8 percentage points over the past year.
- Fortinet trades at a higher earnings multiple (66.9x vs 29.5x trailing P/E).
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 27.3 cents for Fortinet.
About Fortinet
FTNT stock →Fortinet, Inc. provides cybersecurity and convergence of networking and security solutions worldwide.
Technology · Computer peripheral equipment · 15,472 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
FTNT vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, Fortinet or Microsoft?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.93T compared with $138.88B for Fortinet (FTNT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FTNT or MSFT?
FTNT returned +122.89% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.10% for MSFT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FTNT or MSFT?
MSFT has the lower trailing P/E at 29.5, versus 66.9 for FTNT. 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, Fortinet or Microsoft?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Fortinet does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Fortinet and Microsoft in the same industry?
Both are in the Technology sector, but in different industries: Computer peripheral equipment for Fortinet and Computer Software: Prepackaged Software for Microsoft.