FFBC vs MS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FFBC offers the higher yield at 3.10%, FFBC has the higher dividend-safety score, and FFBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price).
Key facts: FFBC vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.10%, versus 2.46% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FFBC's dividend safety A (84/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC pays out 35% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC's fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price, so FFBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FFBC vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ffbc-vs-ms
| Metric | FFBC | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.10% | 2.46% |
| Annual dividend | $1.01 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 35% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.3% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 42% | 89% |
| Dividend safety score | 84 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $46.78 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | +43% | -15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.4B | $297.6B |
| P/E ratio | 11.5 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
FFBC
3.10%
Safer dividend
FFBC
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
FFBC
+43% upside
FFBC vs MS — FAQ
Is FFBC or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). FFBC offers the higher yield (3.10%), while FFBC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, FFBC or MS?
FFBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.10%, versus 2.46% for MS.
Is FFBC or MS safer?
FFBC has the higher dividend-safety score (84/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FFBC or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price (undervalued). For MS, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.