APO vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. APO offers the higher yield at 1.97%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price).
Key facts: APO vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, Apollo Global Management, Inc. (APO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades APO's dividend safety C (60/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, APO has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, APO pays out 75% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, APO's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "APO vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/apo-vs-ma
| Metric | APO | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.97% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $2.25 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 75% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.0% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 59% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 60 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $52.75 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | -21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $67.0B | $534.6B |
| P/E ratio | 40.7 | 33.6 |
Higher yield
APO
1.97%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-21% upside
APO vs MA — FAQ
Is APO or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). APO offers the higher yield (1.97%), 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, APO or MA?
APO has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is APO or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is APO or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price (overvalued). For APO, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.