SmarterDividends

AJG vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AJG offers the higher yield at 1.10%, AJG has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).

Key facts: AJG vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AJG's dividend safety A (97/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AJG has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, AJG pays out 45% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, AJG's fair-value estimate is 55% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "AJG vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ajg-vs-ma

MetricAJGMA
Forward yield1.10%0.56%
Annual dividend$2.80$3.48
Payout ratio45%18%
Years of growth15 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth7.6%13.7%
5-yr total return56%96%
Dividend safety score97 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$115.43$474.95
Upside to fair value-55%-23%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$65.3B$540.9B
P/E ratio42.334.0

Higher yield

AJG

1.10%

Safer dividend

AJG

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

MA

-23% upside

AJG vs MA — FAQ

Is AJG or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AJG offers the higher yield (1.10%), while AJG has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, AJG or MA?

AJG has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.10%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is AJG or MA safer?

AJG has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is AJG or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For AJG, its fair-value estimate is 55% below its share price.

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