MS vs WABC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MS and WABC are closely matched. WABC offers the higher yield at 3.16%, WABC has the higher dividend-safety score, and WABC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs WABC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.16%, versus 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and WABC's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and WABC for 36.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and WABC pays out 41%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price and WABC's fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price, so WABC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs WABC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-wabc
| Metric | MS | WABC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 3.16% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $1.92 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 41% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 36 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | 13% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $61.71 |
| Upside to fair value | -13% | +2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $288.4B | $1.4B |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 13.4 |
Higher yield
WABC
3.16%
Safer dividend
WABC
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
WABC
+2% upside
MS vs WABC — FAQ
Is MS or WABC a better dividend stock?
MS and WABC are closely matched. WABC has the higher yield; WABC scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MS or WABC?
WABC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.16%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is MS or WABC safer?
WABC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or WABC better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, WABC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.