Microsoft (MSFT) vs Cloudflare (NET)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Cloudflare (NET) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 57.8% versus a gain of 1.5%. Over five years, NET leads with a +104.5% price change compared with +74.8% for MSFT. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.93 trillion vs $122.12 billion), about 32.2 times the size, while Cloudflare is growing revenue faster (+29.8% vs +17.8%).
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 204.6x for Cloudflare). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Cloudflare does not currently pay one. Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus -4.7%.
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 | MSFT | NET |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $529.76 | $342.97 |
| Market cap | $3.93T | $122.12B |
| 1-day change | +0.09% | -3.39% |
| YTD return | +9.94% | +73.96% |
| 1-year return | +1.47% | +57.77% |
| 5-year return | +74.78% | +104.53% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 29.51 | — |
| Forward P/E | 22.37 | 204.62 |
| EPS (TTM) | $17.95 | $-0.58 |
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.64 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $331.84B | $2.17B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +17.79% | +29.85% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $133.75B | $-102.27M |
| Gross margin | 67.94% | 74.51% |
| Operating margin | 46.78% | -9.56% |
| Net margin | 40.31% | -4.72% |
| 52-week high | $553.72 | $370.35 |
| 52-week low | $349.20 | $158.83 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -4.33% | -7.39% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +10.92% | -0.95% |
| Average volume | 28.00M | 3.35M |
| Shares outstanding | 7.43B | 322.62M |
| Employees | 223,000 | 5,156 |
| 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 32.2 times larger than Cloudflare by market value ($3.93T vs $122.12B).
- NET has outperformed MSFT by 56.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -4.7 cents for Cloudflare.
- Cloudflare grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+29.85% vs +17.79%).
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
About Cloudflare
NET stock →Cloudflare, Inc. operates as a cloud services provider that delivers a range of services to businesses worldwide.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 5,156 employees
MSFT vs NET FAQ
Which is bigger, Microsoft or Cloudflare?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.93T compared with $122.12B for Cloudflare (NET).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSFT or NET?
NET returned +57.77% 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, Microsoft or Cloudflare?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Cloudflare does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Microsoft and Cloudflare in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.