AFL vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, AFL (Aflac Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AFL offers the higher yield at 2.00%, AFL has the higher dividend-safety score, and AFL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price).
Key facts: AFL vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Aflac Incorporated (AFL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.00%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AFL's dividend safety A (99/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, AFL has raised its dividend for 41 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, AFL pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, AFL's fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so AFL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AFL vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/afl-vs-ma
| Metric | AFL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.00% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $2.44 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 41 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 15.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 123% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 99 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $134.35 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +9% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $61.9B | $556.9B |
| P/E ratio | 13.3 | 35.0 |
Higher yield
AFL
2.00%
Safer dividend
AFL
Grade A
Faster growth
AFL
15.7%
Better value
AFL
+9% upside
AFL vs MA — FAQ
Is AFL or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, AFL wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). AFL offers the higher yield (2.00%), while AFL has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AFL or MA?
AFL has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.00%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is AFL or MA safer?
AFL has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AFL or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, AFL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.