SmarterDividends

AFG vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 9, 2026, AFG and MA are closely matched. AFG offers the higher yield at 2.73%, AFG has the higher dividend-safety score, and AFG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 38% above its share price).

Key facts: AFG vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 9, 2026, American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.73%, versus 0.61% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AFG's dividend safety A (94/100) and MA's A (88/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 9, 2026, AFG has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 9, 2026, AFG pays out 30% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 9, 2026, AFG's fair-value estimate is 38% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so AFG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "AFG vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/afg-vs-ma

MetricAFGMA
Forward yield2.73%0.61%
Annual dividend$3.88$3.48
Payout ratio30%18%
Years of growth3 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth12.1%13.7%
5-yr total return2%65%
Dividend safety score94 (A)88 (A)
Fair value estimate$196.46$477.57
Upside to fair value+38%-17%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$11.8B$503.5B
P/E ratio12.431.6

Higher yield

AFG

2.73%

Safer dividend

AFG

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

AFG

+38% upside

AFG vs MA — FAQ

Is AFG or MA a better dividend stock?

AFG and MA are closely matched. AFG has the higher yield; AFG scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, AFG or MA?

AFG has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.73%, versus 0.61% for MA.

Is AFG or MA safer?

AFG has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is AFG or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 9, 2026, AFG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 38% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.