ARCC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ARCC offers the higher yield at 10.05%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ARCC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% below its share price).
Key facts: ARCC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.05%, versus 0.55% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARCC's dividend safety C (59/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, ARCC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, ARCC pays out 157% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, ARCC's fair-value estimate is 6% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price, so ARCC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ARCC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/arcc-vs-ma
| Metric | ARCC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 10.05% | 0.55% |
| Annual dividend | $1.92 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 157% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -6% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 59 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $18.03 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | -6% | -22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $13.8B | $555.8B |
| P/E ratio | 15.7 | 33.4 |
Higher yield
ARCC
10.05%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ARCC
-6% upside
ARCC vs MA — FAQ
Is ARCC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ARCC offers the higher yield (10.05%), 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, ARCC or MA?
ARCC has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.05%, versus 0.55% for MA.
Is ARCC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARCC or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, ARCC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% below its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.