SmarterDividends

CNS 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 7 head-to-head metrics. CNS offers the higher yield at 3.85%, V 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 V

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 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CNS's dividend safety B (77/100) and V's A (93/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CNS has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and V for 17.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS pays out 79% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so CNS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "CNS vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cns-vs-v

MetricCNSV
Forward yield3.85%0.67%
Annual dividend$2.68$2.68
Payout ratio79%22%
Years of growth16 yr17 yr
5-yr dividend growth9.7%14.9%
5-yr total return-22%108%
Dividend safety score77 (B)93 (A)
Fair value estimate$62.54$306.97
Upside to fair value-10%-24%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$3.6B$755.8B
P/E ratio21.434.3

Higher yield

CNS

3.85%

Safer dividend

V

Grade A

Faster growth

V

14.9%

Better value

CNS

-10% upside

CNS vs V — FAQ

Is CNS or V a better dividend stock?

On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). CNS offers the higher yield (3.85%), 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, CNS or V?

CNS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.85%, versus 0.67% for V.

Is CNS or V safer?

V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is CNS or V 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 V, 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.