MS vs SDHY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SDHY offers the higher yield at 8.49%, MS has the higher dividend-safety score, and SDHY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 57% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs SDHY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund (SDHY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.49%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and SDHY's B (73/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and SDHY for 0.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and SDHY pays out 199%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and SDHY's fair-value estimate is 57% above its share price, so SDHY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs SDHY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-sdhy
| Metric | MS | SDHY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 8.49% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $1.30 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 199% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | -15% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 73 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $23.96 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | +57% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $376.5M |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 23.5 |
Higher yield
SDHY
8.49%
Safer dividend
MS
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
SDHY
+57% upside
MS vs SDHY — FAQ
Is MS or SDHY a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). SDHY offers the higher yield (8.49%), 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 SDHY?
SDHY has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.49%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is MS or SDHY safer?
MS has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or SDHY better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, SDHY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 57% 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.