BEN vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. BEN offers the higher yield at 4.26%, BEN has the higher dividend-safety score, and BEN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price).
Key facts: BEN vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Franklin Templeton Inc. (BEN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.26%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BEN's dividend safety A (89/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BEN has raised its dividend for 24 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BEN pays out 89% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BEN's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so BEN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BEN vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ben-vs-ma
| Metric | BEN | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.26% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.32 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 89% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 24 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.4% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -4% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $27.33 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -12% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $15.7B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 21.1 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
BEN
4.26%
Safer dividend
BEN
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
BEN
-12% upside
BEN vs MA — FAQ
Is BEN or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). BEN offers the higher yield (4.26%), while BEN has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BEN or MA?
BEN has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.26%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is BEN or MA safer?
BEN has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BEN or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BEN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.