CMU vs ELLA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Aug 8, 2026, CMU (MFS High Yield Municipal Trust) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 3 of 4 head-to-head metrics. CMU offers the higher yield at 15.10%, CMU has the higher dividend-safety score, and CMU looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price).
Key facts: CMU vs ELLA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Aug 8, 2026, MFS High Yield Municipal Trust (CMU) has the higher forward dividend yield at 15.10%, versus 4.27% for Ellington Credit Company (ELLA).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Aug 8, 2026, CMU has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and ELLA for 0.
- As of Aug 8, 2026, CMU's fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price and ELLA's fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price, so CMU looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CMU vs ELLA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Aug 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cmu-vs-ella
| Metric | CMU | ELLA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 15.10% | 4.27% |
| Annual dividend | $0.19 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | — | — |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -2.9% | — |
| 5-yr total return | — | — |
| Dividend safety score | 66 (B) | — |
| Fair value estimate | $3.11 | $12.84 |
| Upside to fair value | -7% | -48% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $85.7M | — |
| P/E ratio | — | — |
Higher yield
CMU
15.10%
Safer dividend
CMU
Grade B
Faster growth
CMU
-2.9%
Better value
CMU
-7% upside
CMU vs ELLA — FAQ
Is CMU or ELLA a better dividend stock?
On the data, CMU wins more head-to-head categories (3 vs 1). CMU offers the higher yield (15.10%), while CMU has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CMU or ELLA?
CMU has the higher forward dividend yield at 15.10%, versus 4.27% for ELLA.
Is CMU or ELLA safer?
Compare each stock's payout ratio, growth streak and cut history on its detail page to judge safety.
Is CMU or ELLA better value right now?
As of Aug 8, 2026, CMU looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price (fairly valued). For ELLA, its fair-value estimate is 48% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.

