Microsoft (MSFT) vs Synopsys (SNPS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Synopsys (SNPS) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 5.2% versus a gain of 1.1%. Over five years, MSFT leads with a +74.1% price change compared with +64.1% for SNPS. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.93 trillion vs $96.33 billion), about 40.8 times the size.
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 27.0x for Synopsys). Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Synopsys does not currently pay one. Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 18.9%.
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 | SNPS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $529.76 | $502.67 |
| Market cap | $3.93T | $96.33B |
| 1-day change | +0.09% | -0.49% |
| YTD return | +9.54% | +7.01% |
| 1-year return | +1.10% | +5.20% |
| 5-year return | +74.14% | +64.13% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 29.51 | 88.81 |
| Forward P/E | 22.37 | 27.05 |
| EPS (TTM) | $17.95 | $5.66 |
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.64 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $331.84B | $7.05B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +17.79% | +15.12% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $133.75B | $1.33B |
| Gross margin | 67.94% | 76.98% |
| Operating margin | 46.78% | 12.97% |
| Net margin | 40.31% | 18.89% |
| 52-week high | $553.72 | $539.48 |
| 52-week low | $349.20 | $362.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -4.33% | -6.82% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +10.92% | +13.51% |
| Average volume | 28.00M | 2.01M |
| Shares outstanding | 7.43B | 191.64M |
| Employees | 223,000 | 28,000 |
| 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 40.8 times larger than Synopsys by market value ($3.93T vs $96.33B).
- Synopsys trades at a higher earnings multiple (88.8x vs 29.5x trailing P/E).
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 18.9 cents for Synopsys.
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 Synopsys
SNPS stock →Synopsys, Inc. provides design IP solutions in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 28,000 employees
MSFT vs SNPS FAQ
Which is bigger, Microsoft or Synopsys?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.93T compared with $96.33B for Synopsys (SNPS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSFT or SNPS?
SNPS returned +5.20% 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, MSFT or SNPS?
MSFT has the lower trailing P/E at 29.5, versus 88.8 for SNPS. 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 Synopsys?
Microsoft pays a dividend yielding 0.69%, while Synopsys does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Microsoft and Synopsys in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.