AIO vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AIO offers the higher yield at 10.48%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and AIO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 100% above its share price).
Key facts: AIO vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (AIO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.48%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AIO's dividend safety A (83/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, AIO has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, AIO pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, AIO's fair-value estimate is 100% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so AIO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AIO vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aio-vs-ma
| Metric | AIO | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 10.48% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $2.52 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.8% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -12% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 83 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $48.31 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +100% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $833.1M | $556.9B |
| P/E ratio | 3.5 | 35.0 |
Higher yield
AIO
10.48%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
AIO
+100% upside
AIO vs MA — FAQ
Is AIO or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). AIO offers the higher yield (10.48%), 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, AIO or MA?
AIO has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.48%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is AIO or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 83/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AIO or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, AIO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 100% above its share price (undervalued). 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.