Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions

MSFT vs TXN

Microsoft Corporation versus Texas Instruments Inc. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.

MSFT wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but TXN can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

Scorecard at a glance

Dimension	MSFT	TXN	Winner
Yield	0.93%	2.03%	TXN wins
Dividend safety	7.8/10	7.4/10	MSFT wins
Growth trend	+0.14% vs 5y	-0.68% vs 5y	TXN wins
Volatility (beta)	1.13	1.31	MSFT wins
Scale	$3.3T	$255.3B	MSFT wins
Tax efficiency	Qualified-eligible	Qualified-eligible	Tie
Overall	3 wins	2 wins	MSFT wins

Dimension by dimension

TXN wins on yield (2.03% vs 0.93%)

On a $10,000 investment that's about $110 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

TXN's higher yield (2.03%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus MSFT's 0.93% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.

MSFT: 0.93%TXN: 2.03%

MSFT wins on safety (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10)

Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. MSFT scores better on the weighted average of those factors.

MSFT: 7.8/10TXN: 7.4/10

TXN shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend

TXN's yield is 0.68% below its 5y average, versus 0.14% for MSFT. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.

MSFT: +0.14% vs 5yTXN: -0.68% vs 5y

MSFT is less volatile (beta 1.13 vs 1.31)

Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.

MSFT: 1.13TXN: 1.31

MSFT is 13.1× larger by market cap

Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.

MSFT: $3.3TTXN: $255.3B

Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions

Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.

MSFT: Qualified-eligibleTXN: Qualified-eligible

How we compare these

Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.

This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.

Frequently asked

Which is better for income, MSFT or TXN?

MSFT wins 3–2 on our six-dimension comparison, but TXN can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

MSFT vs TXN: which has a higher dividend yield?

MSFT yields 0.93% and TXN yields 2.03%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $110 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

Is MSFT or TXN a safer dividend in 2026?

MSFT scores 7.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. TXN scores 7.4/10 (Solid). MSFT is the safer pick on our scoring model.

Which has better dividend growth, MSFT or TXN?