ATLO 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. ATLO offers the higher yield at 2.98%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ATLO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: ATLO vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ames National Corporation (ATLO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.98%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ATLO's dividend safety C (64/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO pays out 34% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ATLO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ATLO vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/atlo-vs-ma
| Metric | ATLO | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.98% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 34% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -4.2% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 31% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 64 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $42.63 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +33% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $284.9M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 12.5 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ATLO
2.98%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ATLO
+33% upside
ATLO vs MA — FAQ
Is ATLO or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ATLO offers the higher yield (2.98%), 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, ATLO or MA?
ATLO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.98%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ATLO or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 64/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ATLO or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% 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.