HWC 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. HWC offers the higher yield at 2.78%, HWC has the higher dividend-safety score, and HWC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).
Key facts: HWC vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.78%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HWC's dividend safety A (98/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, HWC has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, HWC pays out 37% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, HWC's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so HWC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HWC vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hwc-vs-ms
| Metric | HWC | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.78% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 37% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.8% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 51% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 98 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $84.34 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | +17% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.8B | $288.4B |
| P/E ratio | 14.5 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
HWC
2.78%
Safer dividend
HWC
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
HWC
+17% upside
HWC vs MS — FAQ
Is HWC or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HWC offers the higher yield (2.78%), while HWC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HWC or MS?
HWC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.78%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is HWC or MS safer?
HWC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HWC or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, HWC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% 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.