HTD 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. HTD offers the higher yield at 8.11%, HTD has the higher dividend-safety score, and HTD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 71% above its share price).
Key facts: HTD vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (HTD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.11%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HTD's dividend safety A (86/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, HTD has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, HTD pays out 38% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, HTD's fair-value estimate is 71% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so HTD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HTD vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/htd-vs-ms
| Metric | HTD | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.11% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $1.90 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 38% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.2% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | -3% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 86 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $40.01 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | +71% | -13% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $828.4M | $288.4B |
| P/E ratio | 4.9 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
HTD
8.11%
Safer dividend
HTD
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
HTD
+71% upside
HTD vs MS — FAQ
Is HTD or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HTD offers the higher yield (8.11%), while HTD has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HTD or MS?
HTD has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.11%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is HTD or MS safer?
HTD has the higher dividend-safety score (86/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HTD or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, HTD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 71% 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.