GAB vs MS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GAB offers the higher yield at 11.56%, MS has the higher dividend-safety score, and GAB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 96% above its share price).
Key facts: GAB vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (GAB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.56%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GAB's dividend safety B (78/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, GAB has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, GAB pays out 49% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, GAB's fair-value estimate is 96% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so GAB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GAB vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gab-vs-ms
| Metric | GAB | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.56% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $0.60 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 49% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.5% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | -26% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 78 (B) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $10.19 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | +96% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.8B | $288.4B |
| P/E ratio | 4.2 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
GAB
11.56%
Safer dividend
MS
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
GAB
+96% upside
GAB vs MS — FAQ
Is GAB or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). GAB offers the higher yield (11.56%), while MS has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, GAB or MS?
GAB has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.56%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is GAB or MS safer?
MS has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 78/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GAB or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, GAB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 96% 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.