Drowned Out by the Apple Partying: Intel and Microsoft Rake In Cash, Pay Dividends

Apple’s (AAPL) blow-out fiscal first quarter sucked all the air out of the room, and it seemed there was little worth saying about the quarterly results of Intel (INTC) and Microsoft (MSFT). But those companies are remarkable in their own steady ways.

Microsoft Corporation Stock Chart by YCharts

The cash generation, payouts to shareholders in dividends and buybacks, and consistency of earnings make their PEs seem very cheap to some.

Microsoft Corporation Cash and ST Investments Chart by YCharts

Microsoft Corporation Dividend Chart by YCharts

Microsoft Corporation Stock Buybacks Chart by YCharts

Yes, Apple is almost as cheap on a price-to-earnings basis, and if you’re building a one-stock portfolio, it’s the perfect candidate. But the continuing strength of Microsoft and Intel deserves examination, especially by investors keen on dividend income.

Jeff Bailey is an editor for the YCharts Pro Investor Service which includes professional stock charts, stock ratings and portfolio strategies.