MA vs MS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MA and MS are closely matched. MS offers the higher yield at 2.56%, MA 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: MA vs MS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Morgan Stanley (MS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.56%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% 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, "MA vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ms
| Metric | MA | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 2.56% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | 89% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $156.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $546.3B | $281.9B |
| P/E ratio | 33.7 | 14.6 |
Higher yield
MS
2.56%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
MS
-13% upside
MA vs MS — FAQ
Is MA or MS a better dividend stock?
MA and MS are closely matched. MS has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or MS?
MS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.56%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or MS safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.