ISTR 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 8 head-to-head metrics. ISTR offers the higher yield at 1.67%, V has the higher dividend-safety score, and ISTR looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: ISTR vs V
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Investar Holding Corporation (ISTR) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.67%, versus 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ISTR's dividend safety A (89/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR pays out 19% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so ISTR looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ISTR vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/istr-vs-v
| Metric | ISTR | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.67% | 0.67% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 19% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 11 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 11.7% | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 61% | 108% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $36.37 | $306.97 |
| Upside to fair value | +26% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $397.1M | $755.8B |
| P/E ratio | 11.9 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
ISTR
1.67%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
V
14.9%
Better value
ISTR
+26% upside
ISTR vs V — FAQ
Is ISTR or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ISTR offers the higher yield (1.67%), 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, ISTR or V?
ISTR has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.67%, versus 0.67% for V.
Is ISTR or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ISTR or V better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price (undervalued). For V, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.