ARES vs V: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, V (Visa Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ARES offers the higher yield at 4.81%, V has the higher dividend-safety score, and V looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price).
Key facts: ARES vs V
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ares Management Corporation (ARES) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.81%, versus 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARES's dividend safety C (57/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ARES has raised its dividend for 9 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARES pays out 228% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARES's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so V looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ARES vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ares-vs-v
| Metric | ARES | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.81% | 0.67% |
| Annual dividend | $5.40 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 228% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 9 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.9% | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 38% | 108% |
| Dividend safety score | 57 (C) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $72.86 | $306.97 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $37.2B | $755.8B |
| P/E ratio | 51.7 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
ARES
4.81%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
ARES
22.9%
Better value
V
-24% upside
ARES vs V — FAQ
Is ARES or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ARES offers the higher yield (4.81%), 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, ARES or V?
ARES has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.81%, versus 0.67% for V.
Is ARES or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARES or V better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, V looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price (overvalued). For ARES, its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.