MA vs RFI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RFI offers the higher yield at 8.88%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and RFI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs RFI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (RFI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.88%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and RFI's B (71/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and RFI for 0.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and RFI pays out 82%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and RFI's fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price, so RFI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs RFI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-rfi
| Metric | MA | RFI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 8.88% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 82% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 0.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -34% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 71 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $11.66 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $289.3M |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 9.2 |
Higher yield
RFI
8.88%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
RFI
+8% upside
MA vs RFI — FAQ
Is MA or RFI a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RFI offers the higher yield (8.88%), 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, MA or RFI?
RFI has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.88%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or RFI safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or RFI better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, RFI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, 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.