CNS vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CNS offers the higher yield at 3.85%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and CNS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price).
Key facts: CNS vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.85%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CNS's dividend safety B (77/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CNS has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS pays out 79% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so CNS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CNS vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cns-vs-ma
| Metric | CNS | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.85% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $2.68 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 79% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -22% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 77 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $62.54 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -10% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.6B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 21.4 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
CNS
3.85%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CNS
-10% upside
CNS vs MA — FAQ
Is CNS or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CNS offers the higher yield (3.85%), 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, CNS or MA?
CNS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.85%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is CNS or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CNS or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.