KREF vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WELL (Welltower Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. KREF offers the higher yield at 6.90%, WELL has the higher dividend-safety score, and KREF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price).
Key facts: KREF vs WELL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. (KREF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.90%, versus 1.45% for Welltower Inc. (WELL).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades KREF's dividend safety D (43/100) and WELL's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, KREF has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and WELL for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, KREF's fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price and WELL's fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price, so KREF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "KREF vs WELL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/kref-vs-well
| Metric | KREF | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 6.90% | 1.45% |
| Annual dividend | $0.40 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 625% | 133% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -10.3% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -72% | 195% |
| Dividend safety score | 43 (D) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $5.52 | $96.91 |
| Upside to fair value | -5% | -59% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $339.8M | $169.2B |
| P/E ratio | — | 105.3 |
Higher yield
KREF
6.90%
Safer dividend
WELL
Grade B
Faster growth
WELL
0.9%
Better value
KREF
-5% upside
KREF vs WELL — FAQ
Is KREF or WELL a better dividend stock?
On the data, WELL wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). KREF offers the higher yield (6.90%), while WELL has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, KREF or WELL?
KREF has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.90%, versus 1.45% for WELL.
Is KREF or WELL safer?
WELL has the higher dividend-safety score (66/100 vs 43/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is KREF or WELL better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, KREF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price (fairly valued). For WELL, its fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.