MS vs RVT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RVT offers the higher yield at 8.80%, MS has the higher dividend-safety score, and RVT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price).
Key facts: MS vs RVT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, Royce Small-Cap Trust, Inc. (RVT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.80%, versus 2.46% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and RVT's C (59/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and RVT for 2.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and RVT pays out 198%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and RVT's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price, so RVT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs RVT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-rvt
| Metric | MS | RVT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.46% | 8.80% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $1.48 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 198% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 2.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 89% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 59 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $14.80 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | -12% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $297.6B | $2.1B |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 23.5 |
Higher yield
RVT
8.80%
Safer dividend
MS
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
RVT
-12% upside
MS vs RVT — FAQ
Is MS or RVT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RVT offers the higher yield (8.80%), 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 RVT?
RVT has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.80%, versus 2.46% for MS.
Is MS or RVT safer?
MS has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or RVT better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, RVT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price (fairly valued). For MS, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.