MS vs NBTB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS and NBTB are closely matched. NBTB offers the higher yield at 3.06%, NBTB has the higher dividend-safety score, and NBTB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs NBTB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, NBT Bancorp Inc. (NBTB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.06%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and NBTB's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and NBTB for 13.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and NBTB pays out 36%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and NBTB's fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price, so NBTB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs NBTB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-nbtb
| Metric | MS | NBTB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 3.06% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $1.60 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 36% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | 45% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $73.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | +41% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $2.7B |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 12.5 |
Higher yield
NBTB
3.06%
Safer dividend
NBTB
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
NBTB
+41% upside
MS vs NBTB — FAQ
Is MS or NBTB a better dividend stock?
MS and NBTB are closely matched. NBTB has the higher yield; NBTB scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MS or NBTB?
NBTB has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.06%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is MS or NBTB safer?
NBTB has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or NBTB better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, NBTB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 41% 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.