MSDL vs V: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, V (Visa Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. MSDL offers the higher yield at 13.81%, V has the higher dividend-safety score, and MSDL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price).
Key facts: MSDL vs V
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.81%, versus 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MSDL's dividend safety D (40/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MSDL has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MSDL pays out 275% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MSDL's fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so MSDL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MSDL vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/msdl-vs-v
| Metric | MSDL | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 13.81% | 0.67% |
| Annual dividend | $1.80 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 275% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 108% |
| Dividend safety score | 40 (D) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $18.25 | $306.97 |
| Upside to fair value | +40% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.1B | $755.8B |
| P/E ratio | 18.9 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
MSDL
13.81%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
V
14.9%
Better value
MSDL
+40% upside
MSDL vs V — FAQ
Is MSDL or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). MSDL offers the higher yield (13.81%), while V has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MSDL or V?
MSDL has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.81%, versus 0.67% for V.
Is MSDL or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 40/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MSDL or V better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSDL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price (undervalued). For V, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.