L 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. MS offers the higher yield at 2.50%, L has the higher dividend-safety score, and MS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price).
Key facts: L vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Morgan Stanley (MS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 0.22% for Loews Corporation (L).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades L's dividend safety A (99/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, L has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, L pays out 3% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, L's fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so MS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "L vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/l-vs-ms
| Metric | L | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.22% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $0.25 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 3% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 108% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 99 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.58 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | -43% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $22.8B | $288.4B |
| P/E ratio | 13.6 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
MS
2.50%
Safer dividend
L
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
MS
-13% upside
L vs MS — FAQ
Is L or MS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MS offers the higher yield (2.50%), while L has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, L or MS?
MS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 0.22% for L.
Is L or MS safer?
L has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is L or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price (fairly valued). For L, its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.