MS vs WFC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MS (Morgan Stanley) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MS offers the higher yield at 2.42%, MS has the higher dividend-safety score, and WFC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price).
Key facts: MS vs WFC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Morgan Stanley (MS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.42%, versus 2.39% for Wells Fargo & Company (WFC).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MS's dividend safety A (82/100) and WFC's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, MS has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and WFC for 4.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MS pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and WFC pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and WFC's fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price, so WFC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MS vs WFC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ms-vs-wfc
| Metric | MS | WFC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.42% | 2.39% |
| Annual dividend | $4.60 | $2.00 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.4% | 6.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 89% | 72% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $160.88 | $109.43 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | +29% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $297.3B | $254.6B |
| P/E ratio | 15.1 | 12.0 |
Higher yield
MS
2.42%
Safer dividend
MS
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
WFC
+29% upside
MS vs WFC — FAQ
Is MS or WFC a better dividend stock?
On the data, MS wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MS offers the higher yield (2.42%), 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 WFC?
MS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.42%, versus 2.39% for WFC.
Is MS or WFC safer?
MS has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 74/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MS or WFC better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, WFC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price (undervalued). For MS, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.