BOX
Box, Inc.
Software - Infrastructure
Market Cap$3.70B
5Y Perf.+28.6%
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Stock Comparison
BOX vs MSFT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
Software - Infrastructure
Market Cap$3.13T
5Y Perf.+129.7%
BOX vs MSFT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | BOX | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Software - Infrastructure | Software - Infrastructure |
| Market Cap | $3.70B | $3.13T |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.18B | $318.27B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $101M | $125.22B |
| Gross Margin | 79.2% | 68.3% |
| Operating Margin | 7.1% | 46.8% |
| Forward P/E | 20.0x | 25.3x |
| Total Debt | $77M | $112.18B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $375M | $30.24B |
BOX vs MSFT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
BOX
MSFT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box, Inc. (BOX) | 100 | 128.6 | +28.6% |
| Microsoft Corporati… (MSFT) | 100 | 229.7 | +129.7% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: BOX vs MSFT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MSFT leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Box, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
BOX
Box, Inc.
The Defensive Pick
BOX is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 0.49, Low D/E 39.1%, current ratio 1.11x
- Lower P/E (20.0x vs 25.3x)
- Beta 0.49 vs MSFT's 0.89
Best for: sleep-well-at-night
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
The Income Pick
MSFT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 19 yrs, beta 0.89, yield 0.8%
- Rev growth 14.9%, EPS growth 15.6%, 3Y rev CAGR 12.4%
- 7.9% 10Y total return vs BOX's 121.9%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MSFT | 14.9% revenue growth vs BOX's 8.0% |
| Value | BOX | Lower P/E (20.0x vs 25.3x) |
| Quality / Margins | MSFT | 39.3% margin vs BOX's 8.6% |
| Stability / Safety | BOX | Beta 0.49 vs MSFT's 0.89 |
| Dividends | MSFT | 0.8% yield, 19-year raise streak, vs BOX's 0.4% |
| Momentum (1Y) | MSFT | -2.1% vs BOX's -17.0% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MSFT | 19.2% ROA vs BOX's 6.3%, ROIC 24.9% vs 64.7% |
BOX vs MSFT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
BOX vs MSFT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLMSFTLAGGINGBOX
BOXBox, Inc.
1leads
MSFTMicrosoft Corporation
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs BOXMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
MSFT4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
BOX5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MSFT6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
MSFT2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MSFT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MSFT is the larger business by revenue, generating $318.3B annually — 270.4x BOX's $1.2B. MSFT is the more profitable business, keeping 39.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to BOX's 8.6%. On growth, MSFT holds the edge at +18.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | BOXBox, Inc. | MSFTMicrosoft Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.2B | $318.3B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $120M | $192.6B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $101M | $125.2B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $350M | $72.9B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +79.2% | +68.3% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +7.1% | +46.8% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +8.6% | +39.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +29.8% | +22.9% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +9.4% | +18.3% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -58.0% | +23.4% |
MSFT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — BOX and MSFT each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 30.9x trailing earnings, MSFT trades at a 29% valuation discount to BOX's 43.6x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, MSFT's 19.7x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than BOX's 28.3x.
| Metric | BOXBox, Inc. | MSFTMicrosoft Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $3.7B | $3.13T |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $3.4B | $3.21T |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 43.55x | 30.86x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 19.96x | 25.34x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.64x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 28.32x | 19.72x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 3.15x | 11.10x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 19.09x | 9.15x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 10.57x | 43.66x |
Evenly matched — BOX and MSFT each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
BOX leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
BOX delivers a 47.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $48 in annual profit, vs $33 for MSFT. MSFT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.33x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to BOX's 0.39x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), BOX scores 7/9 vs MSFT's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | BOXBox, Inc. | MSFTMicrosoft Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +47.9% | +33.1% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +6.3% | +19.2% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +64.7% | +24.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +11.2% | +29.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.39x | 0.33x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$298M | $81.9B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $375M | $30.2B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $77M | $112.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 9.68x | 55.65x |
BOX leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MSFT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MSFT five years ago would be worth $17,246 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $12,143 for BOX. Over the past 12 months, MSFT leads with a -2.1% total return vs BOX's -17.0%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MSFT at 11.7% vs BOX's -1.5% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | BOXBox, Inc. | MSFTMicrosoft Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -10.9% | -10.8% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -17.0% | -2.1% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -4.4% | +39.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +21.4% | +72.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +121.9% | +787.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -1.5% | +11.7% |
MSFT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — BOX and MSFT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
BOX is the less volatile stock with a 0.49 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MSFT's 0.89 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MSFT currently trades 75.8% from its 52-week high vs BOX's 66.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | BOXBox, Inc. | MSFTMicrosoft Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.49x | 0.89x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $38.80 | $555.45 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $21.34 | $356.28 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +66.2% | +75.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 50.5 | 54.0 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 2.4M | 32.5M |
Evenly matched — BOX and MSFT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
MSFT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates BOX as "Buy" and MSFT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 34.9% upside for BOX (target: $35) vs 31.1% for MSFT (target: $552). For income investors, MSFT offers the higher dividend yield at 0.77% vs BOX's 0.40%.
| Metric | BOXBox, Inc. | MSFTMicrosoft Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $34.67 | $551.75 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 28 | 81 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.4% | +0.8% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 5 | 19 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.10 | $3.23 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +7.8% | +0.6% |
MSFT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
MSFT leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). BOX leads in 1 (Profitability & Efficiency). 2 tied.
Best OverallMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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BOX vs MSFT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is BOX or MSFT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is the stronger pick with 14.
9% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 8. 0% for Box, Inc. (BOX). Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) offers the better valuation at 30. 9x trailing P/E (25. 3x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Box, Inc. (BOX) a "Buy" — based on 28 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — BOX or MSFT?
On trailing P/E, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is the cheapest at 30.
9x versus Box, Inc. at 43. 6x. On forward P/E, Box, Inc. is actually cheaper at 20. 0x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — BOX or MSFT?
Over the past 5 years, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) delivered a total return of +72.
5%, compared to +21. 4% for Box, Inc. (BOX). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MSFT returned +787. 7% versus BOX's +121. 9%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — BOX or MSFT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Box, Inc.
(BOX) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 49β versus Microsoft Corporation's 0. 89β — meaning MSFT is approximately 83% more volatile than BOX relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 33% versus 39% for Box, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — BOX or MSFT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is pulling ahead at 14.
9% versus 8. 0% for Box, Inc. (BOX). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Microsoft Corporation grew EPS 15. 6% year-over-year, compared to -56. 6% for Box, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, MSFT leads at 12. 4% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — BOX or MSFT?
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is the more profitable company, earning 36.
1% net margin versus 8. 6% for Box, Inc. — meaning it keeps 36. 1% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MSFT leads at 45. 6% versus 7. 1% for BOX. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — BOX leads at 79. 2%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is BOX or MSFT more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Box, Inc.
(BOX) trades at 20. 0x forward P/E versus 25. 3x for Microsoft Corporation — 5. 4x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for BOX: 34. 9% to $34. 67.
08Which pays a better dividend — BOX or MSFT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) offers the highest yield at 0. 8%, versus 0. 4% for Box, Inc. (BOX).
09Is BOX or MSFT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
89), 0. 8% yield, +787. 7% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (MSFT: +787. 7%, BOX: +121. 9%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between BOX and MSFT?
Both stocks operate in the Technology sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
MSFT pays a dividend while BOX does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(BOX: 9.4% · MSFT: 18.3%)Net Margin>
%
(BOX: 8.6% · MSFT: 39.3%)P/E Ratio<
x
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