CFR vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CFR (Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CFR offers the higher yield at 2.62%, CFR has the higher dividend-safety score, and CFR looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price).
Key facts: CFR vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.62%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CFR's dividend safety A (94/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CFR has raised its dividend for 31 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CFR pays out 38% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CFR's fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so CFR looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CFR vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cfr-vs-ma
| Metric | CFR | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.62% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $4.12 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 38% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 31 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $190.12 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +20% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $9.8B | $556.9B |
| P/E ratio | 14.9 | 35.0 |
Higher yield
CFR
2.62%
Safer dividend
CFR
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CFR
+20% upside
CFR vs MA — FAQ
Is CFR or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, CFR wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CFR offers the higher yield (2.62%), while CFR has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CFR or MA?
CFR has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.62%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is CFR or MA safer?
CFR has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CFR or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CFR looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.