CRF vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CRF offers the higher yield at 25.25%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and CRF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 122% above its share price).
Key facts: CRF vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. (CRF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 25.25%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CRF's dividend safety C (52/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CRF has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CRF pays out 128% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CRF's fair-value estimate is 122% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so CRF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CRF vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/crf-vs-ma
| Metric | CRF | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 25.25% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $1.41 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 128% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -8.0% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -56% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 52 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $12.42 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +122% | -21% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $951.8M | $537.4B |
| P/E ratio | 4.9 | 33.2 |
Higher yield
CRF
25.25%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CRF
+122% upside
CRF vs MA — FAQ
Is CRF or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CRF offers the higher yield (25.25%), 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, CRF or MA?
CRF has the higher forward dividend yield at 25.25%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is CRF or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CRF or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, CRF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 122% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.