ACT vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ACT offers the higher yield at 2.00%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ACT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price).
Key facts: ACT vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Enact Holdings, Inc. (ACT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.00%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ACT's dividend safety A (80/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, ACT has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, ACT pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, ACT's fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ACT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ACT vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/act-vs-ma
| Metric | ACT | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.00% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 131% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $65.18 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +36% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $6.6B | $546.3B |
| P/E ratio | 10.1 | 33.7 |
Higher yield
ACT
2.00%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ACT
+36% upside
ACT vs MA — FAQ
Is ACT or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). ACT offers the higher yield (2.00%), 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, ACT or MA?
ACT has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.00%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ACT or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ACT or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, ACT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.