ACV vs MS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ACV offers the higher yield at 10.81%, ACV has the higher dividend-safety score, and ACV looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 148% above its share price).
Key facts: ACV vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund (ACV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.81%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACV's dividend safety A (88/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, ACV has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, ACV pays out 35% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, ACV's fair-value estimate is 148% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so ACV looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACV vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/acv-vs-ms
| Metric | ACV | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 10.81% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $2.58 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 35% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.5% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | -30% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $59.09 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | +148% | -13% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $248.0M | $288.4B |
| P/E ratio | 3.9 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
ACV
10.81%
Safer dividend
ACV
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
ACV
+148% upside
ACV vs MS — FAQ
Is ACV or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ACV offers the higher yield (10.81%), while ACV has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ACV or MS?
ACV has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.81%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is ACV or MS safer?
ACV has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACV or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, ACV looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 148% above its share price (undervalued). For MS, its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.