MS vs RLI: 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. MS offers the higher yield at 2.50%, RLI 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: MS vs RLI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Morgan Stanley (MS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 1.10% for RLI Corp. (RLI).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and RLI's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and RLI for 38.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and RLI pays out 16%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and RLI's fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price, so MS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs RLI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-rli
| Metric | MS | RLI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 1.10% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $0.72 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 16% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 38 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 5.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | 27% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $33.35 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | -49% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $6.0B |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 15.2 |
Higher yield
MS
2.50%
Safer dividend
RLI
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
MS
-13% upside
MS vs RLI — FAQ
Is MS or RLI a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MS offers the higher yield (2.50%), while RLI 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 RLI?
MS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 1.10% for RLI.
Is MS or RLI safer?
RLI has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or RLI better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price (fairly valued). For RLI, its fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.