MS vs NIE: 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. NIE offers the higher yield at 9.63%, NIE has the higher dividend-safety score, and NIE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 73% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs NIE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.63%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and NIE's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and NIE for 1.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and NIE pays out 43%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and NIE's fair-value estimate is 73% above its share price, so NIE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs NIE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-nie
| Metric | MS | NIE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 9.63% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $2.32 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 43% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 5.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | -22% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $41.72 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | +73% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $667.8M |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 5.1 |
Higher yield
NIE
9.63%
Safer dividend
NIE
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
NIE
+73% upside
MS vs NIE — FAQ
Is MS or NIE a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NIE offers the higher yield (9.63%), while NIE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MS or NIE?
NIE has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.63%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is MS or NIE safer?
NIE has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or NIE better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, NIE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 73% 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.