ARES 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. ARES offers the higher yield at 4.81%, MA 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: ARES vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ares Management Corporation (ARES) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.81%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARES's dividend safety C (57/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ARES has raised its dividend for 9 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARES pays out 228% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ARES's fair-value estimate is 35% 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, "ARES vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ares-vs-ma
| Metric | ARES | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.81% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $5.40 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 228% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 9 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 22.9% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 38% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 57 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $72.86 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $37.2B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 51.7 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ARES
4.81%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
ARES
22.9%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
ARES vs MA — FAQ
Is ARES or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ARES offers the higher yield (4.81%), 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, ARES or MA?
ARES has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.81%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ARES or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARES 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 ARES, its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.