AROW 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. AROW offers the higher yield at 3.25%, AROW has the higher dividend-safety score, and AROW looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 51% above its share price).
Key facts: AROW vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Arrow Financial Corporation (AROW) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AROW's dividend safety A (95/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AROW has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AROW pays out 38% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AROW's fair-value estimate is 51% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so AROW looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AROW vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/arow-vs-ma
| Metric | AROW | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.25% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.20 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 38% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 4 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.5% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 10% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $55.59 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +51% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $682.6M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 11.9 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
AROW
3.25%
Safer dividend
AROW
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
AROW
+51% upside
AROW vs MA — FAQ
Is AROW or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AROW offers the higher yield (3.25%), while AROW has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AROW or MA?
AROW has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is AROW or MA safer?
AROW has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AROW or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AROW looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 51% 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.