CSCO vs MSFT
Cisco Systems, Inc. compared with Microsoft Corporation on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- CSCO yields more today: 1.54% vs 0.74% (forward).
- MSFT has grown its payout faster: 10.2%/yr vs 2.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- MSFT has the longer streak of annual increases: 16 years vs 14.
- Over the last year CSCO delivered the higher total return: +60.4% vs -1.8% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | CSCO | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $109.17 | $493.95 |
| TTM yield | 1.52% | 0.74% |
| Forward yield | 1.54% | 0.74% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.68 | $3.64 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 2, 2026 (declared) | Nov 19, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 50% | 20% |
| 1-year payout growth | +2.5% | +9.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +2.6% | +10.2% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 14 years | 16 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 98/100 | 92/100 |
| 1-year total return | +60.4% | -1.8% |
| 1-year price return | +58.0% | -2.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 430.4B | 3.7T |
| Years paying | 15.4 | 23.6 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Technology | Technology |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| CSCO | MSFT | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 91.6 | 20.2 |
| Income per year | $154 | $74 |
| Income per month (avg) | $13 | $6 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model CSCO · Model MSFT
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSCO Oct 2, 2026 | Oct 21, 2026 | $0.42 | Declared |
| CSCO Jan 1, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $0.42 | Est. |
| CSCO Apr 2, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $0.42 | Est. |
| MSFT Nov 19, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $0.91 | Est. |
| MSFT Feb 18, 2027 | Mar 11, 2027 | $0.91 | Est. |
| MSFT May 20, 2027 | Jun 10, 2027 | $0.91 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
CSCOMSFT
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, CSCO or MSFT?
CSCO currently has the higher trailing yield: CSCO yields 1.52% and MSFT yields 0.74%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do CSCO and MSFT pay?
CSCO pays every quarter and MSFT pays every quarter. CSCO's next ex-date is Oct 2, 2026 and MSFT's is Nov 19, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, CSCO or MSFT?
MSFT has grown its payout faster: 10.2%/yr vs 2.6%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is CSCO or MSFT better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. CSCO and MSFT differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.