Dividend comparison
MSFT vs MSFO: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Microsoft Corporation and YieldMax MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
MSFT vs MSFO: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. MSFO pays more income, yielding 37.12% over the last twelve months versus 0.68% for MSFT. That is about $3,644 more a year on $10,000. MSFT pays annual, MSFO pays monthly.
- Performance. Over the last 3 years, MSFT returned 66.3% versus 13.5% for MSFO, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $16,631 in MSFT and $11,347 in MSFO.
- Risk. MSFO has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 3 years was -42.5%, against -37.1% for MSFT.
Bottom line: MSFT fits better if you care most about stronger 3-year returns and smaller drawdowns. MSFO fits better if you care most about more income today.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | MSFT Microsoft Corporation | MSFO YieldMax MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 0.68% | 37.12% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $3.64 | $4.66 |
| Payout frequency | Annual | Monthly |
| Last dividend | $0.9100 on Sep 10, 2026 | $0.0748 on Oct 16, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Nov 19, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Next payment | $0.9800 on Dec 10, 2026 | — |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 10.3% over 4 yrs | — |
| Price | $531.87 | $12.55 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | 19.8% | — |
| Dividend growth streak | 6 years | — |
| Beta | 1.10 | 0.88 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -37.1% | -42.5% |
| Market cap | $3.93T | $85.1M |
| Exchange | NASDAQ | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | — | 1.03% |
| Assets under management | — | $86.0M |
| Number of holdings | — | 7 |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
MSFT
$5.69/mo
$68 /yr at 0.68% yield
MSFO
$309.35/mo
$3712 /yr at 37.12% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. MSFT pays annual; MSFO pays monthly.
| Year | MSFT | MSFO |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.4000 | $5.2386 |
| 2024 | $3.0800 | $6.3906 |
| 2023 | $2.7900 | — |
| 2022 | $2.5400 | — |
| 2021 | $2.3000 | — |
Strategy: Sector and thematic
Funds that hold a single industry or theme, such as technology, semiconductors, healthcare or energy. Funds covering the same sector can still differ in concentration rules: some cap the largest positions while others let the biggest companies take a quarter of the fund. Sector funds are usually used to tilt a portfolio rather than as its core.
A single sector can fall far further than the broad market and stay down for years, and the largest names often dominate the fund.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Aug 25, 2023 would now be worth $16,822 in MSFT and $11,718 in MSFO.
| Period | MSFT | MSFO |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 7.71% | 4.58% |
| 3 months | 32.46% | 17.40% |
| Year to date | 10.67% | -18.45% |
| 1 year | 3.77% | -25.34% |
| 3 years | 66.31% | 13.47% |
| 5 years | 79.95% | — |
- MSFT
- MSFO
Both series indexed to 100 on 2023-08-25 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
- MSFT
- MSFO
Quick verdict
MSFT fits better if you care most about stronger 3-year returns and smaller drawdowns. MSFO fits better if you care most about more income today. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how MSFT vs MSFO fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is MSFT or MSFO better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MSFT currently yields 0.68% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while MSFO yields 37.12%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between MSFT and MSFO?
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is a stock listed on NASDAQ. YieldMax MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF (MSFO) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, MSFT or MSFO?
Over the last 3 years, MSFT has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: MSFT returned 66.3% and MSFO returned 13.5%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, MSFT or MSFO?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, MSFO has been riskier: MSFT fell as much as 37.1% and MSFO as much as 42.5%. Their betas are 1.10 and 0.88.
How often do MSFT and MSFO pay dividends?
MSFT pays annual and MSFO pays monthly.
How much income does $10,000 in MSFT vs MSFO generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in MSFT would generate roughly $5.69 per month ($68 annually). The same amount in MSFO would produce about $309.35 per month ($3712 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both MSFT and MSFO?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare MSFT vs MSFO with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how MSFT and MSFO fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.