MS vs NRIM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, NRIM (Northrim BanCorp, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NRIM offers the higher yield at 2.74%, NRIM has the higher dividend-safety score, and MS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).
Key facts: MS vs NRIM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.74%, versus 2.46% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and NRIM's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and NRIM for 16.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and NRIM pays out 21%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and NRIM's fair-value estimate is 34% below its share price, so MS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs NRIM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-nrim
| Metric | MS | NRIM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.46% | 2.74% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $0.65 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 21% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 13.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 89% | 135% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $15.87 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | -34% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $297.6B | $533.4M |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 9.7 |
Higher yield
NRIM
2.74%
Safer dividend
NRIM
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
MS
-15% upside
MS vs NRIM — FAQ
Is MS or NRIM a better dividend stock?
On the data, NRIM wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NRIM offers the higher yield (2.74%), while NRIM 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 NRIM?
NRIM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.74%, versus 2.46% for MS.
Is MS or NRIM safer?
NRIM has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or NRIM better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (overvalued). For NRIM, its fair-value estimate is 34% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.