BAC vs MS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. MS offers the higher yield at 2.56%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Morgan Stanley (MS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.56%, versus 2.53% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-ms
| Metric | BAC | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.53% | 2.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 14% | 89% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $156.77 |
| Upside to fair value | +25% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $353.6B | $281.9B |
| P/E ratio | 12.1 | 14.6 |
Higher yield
MS
2.56%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
BAC
+25% upside
BAC vs MS — FAQ
Is BAC or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). MS offers the higher yield (2.56%), while BAC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAC or MS?
MS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.56%, versus 2.53% for BAC.
Is BAC or MS safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 25% 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.