MS vs RAND: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RAND offers the higher yield at 12.21%, MS has the higher dividend-safety score, and RAND looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 250% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs RAND
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Rand Capital Corporation (RAND) has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.21%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and RAND's A (80/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and RAND for 4.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and RAND pays out 51%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and RAND's fair-value estimate is 250% above its share price, so RAND looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs RAND: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-rand
| Metric | MS | RAND |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 12.21% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $1.16 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 51% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | -32.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | -43% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 80 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $33.29 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | +250% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $28.2M |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | — |
Higher yield
RAND
12.21%
Safer dividend
MS
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
RAND
+250% upside
MS vs RAND — FAQ
Is MS or RAND a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RAND offers the higher yield (12.21%), while MS 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 RAND?
RAND has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.21%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is MS or RAND safer?
MS has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or RAND better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, RAND looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 250% 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.