CFG vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CFG offers the higher yield at 3.19%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and CFG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price).
Key facts: CFG vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.19%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CFG's dividend safety A (88/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, CFG has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CFG pays out 39% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, CFG's fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so CFG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CFG vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cfg-vs-ma
| Metric | CFG | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.19% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $2.08 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 39% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 38% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $79.28 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +22% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $27.4B | $546.3B |
| P/E ratio | 14.2 | 33.7 |
Higher yield
CFG
3.19%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CFG
+22% upside
CFG vs MA — FAQ
Is CFG or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CFG offers the higher yield (3.19%), while MA has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CFG or MA?
CFG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.19%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is CFG or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CFG or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, CFG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.