ARDC vs V: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, V (Visa Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ARDC offers the higher yield at 11.87%, V has the higher dividend-safety score, and ARDC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 83% above its share price).
Key facts: ARDC vs V
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc. (ARDC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.87%, versus 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARDC's dividend safety D (44/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ARDC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARDC's fair-value estimate is 83% above its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so ARDC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ARDC vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ardc-vs-v
| Metric | ARDC | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.87% | 0.67% |
| Annual dividend | $1.35 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 648% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.4% | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -28% | 108% |
| Dividend safety score | 44 (D) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $20.80 | $306.97 |
| Upside to fair value | +83% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $272.5M | $755.8B |
| P/E ratio | 54.1 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
ARDC
11.87%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
V
14.9%
Better value
ARDC
+83% upside
ARDC vs V — FAQ
Is ARDC or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ARDC offers the higher yield (11.87%), 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, ARDC or V?
ARDC has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.87%, versus 0.67% for V.
Is ARDC or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 44/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARDC or V better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ARDC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 83% 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.