MS vs SSB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, SSB (SouthState Bank Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SSB offers the higher yield at 2.51%, SSB has the higher dividend-safety score, and SSB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs SSB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SouthState Bank Corporation (SSB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.51%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and SSB's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and SSB for 14.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and SSB pays out 25%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and SSB's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price, so SSB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs SSB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-ssb
| Metric | MS | SSB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 2.51% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $2.64 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 3.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | 35% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $144.49 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | +37% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $10.2B |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 11.2 |
Higher yield
SSB
2.51%
Safer dividend
SSB
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
SSB
+37% upside
MS vs SSB — FAQ
Is MS or SSB a better dividend stock?
On the data, SSB wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SSB offers the higher yield (2.51%), while SSB 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 SSB?
SSB has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.51%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is MS or SSB safer?
SSB has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or SSB better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, SSB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% 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.