
Microsoft (MSFT) runs the highest operating margin in its peer group and grows revenue faster than every rival there but one. Over the past twelve months its stock returned -0.5%, against 18.5% for the S&P 500 (SPY). At about $491.65 a share, it trades at 27.8 times earnings, second-richest in the group. Microsoft ranks first on profitability and fourth on the return, a gap worth explaining.


















