ARDC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ARDC offers the higher yield at 11.87%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ARDC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 83% above its share price).
Key facts: ARDC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc. (ARDC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.87%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARDC's dividend safety D (44/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ARDC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARDC's fair-value estimate is 83% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ARDC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ARDC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ardc-vs-ma
| Metric | ARDC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.87% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.35 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 648% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.4% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -28% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 44 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $20.80 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +83% | -23% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $272.5M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 54.1 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ARDC
11.87%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ARDC
+83% upside
ARDC vs MA — FAQ
Is ARDC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ARDC offers the higher yield (11.87%), 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, ARDC or MA?
ARDC has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.87%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ARDC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 44/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARDC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ARDC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 83% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.