MFA vs WELL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, WELL (Welltower Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MFA offers the higher yield at 21.69%, WELL has the higher dividend-safety score, and MFA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 147% above its share price).
Key facts: MFA vs WELL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MFA Financial, Inc. (MFA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 21.69%, versus 1.41% for Welltower Inc. (WELL).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MFA's dividend safety D (44/100) and WELL's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MFA has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and WELL for 2.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MFA pays out 143% of its earnings as dividends and WELL pays out 133%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MFA's fair-value estimate is 147% above its share price and WELL's fair-value estimate is 60% below its share price, so MFA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MFA vs WELL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mfa-vs-well
| Metric | MFA | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 21.69% | 1.41% |
| Annual dividend | $1.44 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 143% | 133% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.6% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | -61% | 198% |
| Dividend safety score | 44 (D) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $16.40 | $96.91 |
| Upside to fair value | +147% | -60% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $671.2M | $173.4B |
| P/E ratio | 6.6 | 107.9 |
Higher yield
MFA
21.69%
Safer dividend
WELL
Grade B
Faster growth
MFA
7.6%
Better value
MFA
+147% upside
MFA vs WELL — FAQ
Is MFA or WELL a better dividend stock?
On the data, WELL wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MFA offers the higher yield (21.69%), 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, MFA or WELL?
MFA has the higher forward dividend yield at 21.69%, versus 1.41% for WELL.
Is MFA or WELL safer?
WELL has the higher dividend-safety score (66/100 vs 44/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MFA or WELL better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MFA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 147% above its share price (undervalued). For WELL, its fair-value estimate is 60% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.