Microsoft (MSFT) vs Palantir Technologies (PLTR)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 6.5% versus a gain of 1.5%. Over five years, PLTR leads with a +708.1% price change compared with +74.8% for MSFT. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.93 trillion vs $466.48 billion), about 8.4 times the size, while Palantir Technologies is growing revenue faster (+56.2% vs +17.8%).
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 82.8x for Palantir Technologies). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Palantir Technologies does not currently pay one. Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 36.3%.
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 | MSFT | PLTR |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $529.76 | $194.12 |
| Market cap | $3.93T | $466.48B |
| 1-day change | +0.09% | +1.07% |
| YTD return | +9.94% | +9.11% |
| 1-year return | +1.47% | +6.47% |
| 5-year return | +74.78% | +708.13% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 29.51 | 167.34 |
| Forward P/E | 22.37 | 82.81 |
| EPS (TTM) | $17.95 | $1.16 |
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.64 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $331.84B | $4.48B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +17.79% | +56.18% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $133.75B | $1.63B |
| Gross margin | 67.94% | 82.37% |
| Operating margin | 46.78% | 31.59% |
| Net margin | 40.31% | 36.31% |
| 52-week high | $553.72 | $207.52 |
| 52-week low | $349.20 | $106.37 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -4.33% | -6.46% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +10.92% | +2.95% |
| Average volume | 28.00M | 33.71M |
| Shares outstanding | 7.43B | 2.30B |
| Employees | 223,000 | 4,401 |
| 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 8.4 times larger than Palantir Technologies by market value ($3.93T vs $466.48B).
- Palantir Technologies trades at a higher earnings multiple (167.3x vs 29.5x trailing P/E).
- Palantir Technologies grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+56.18% 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 Palantir Technologies
PLTR stock →Palantir Technologies Inc. builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 4,401 employees
MSFT vs PLTR FAQ
Which is bigger, Microsoft or Palantir Technologies?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.93T compared with $466.48B for Palantir Technologies (PLTR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSFT or PLTR?
PLTR returned +6.47% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.47% for MSFT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MSFT or PLTR?
MSFT has the lower trailing P/E at 29.5, versus 167.3 for PLTR. 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, Microsoft or Palantir Technologies?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Palantir Technologies does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Microsoft and Palantir Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.