SmarterDividends

BMRC 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. BMRC offers the higher yield at 3.79%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BMRC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 3% above its share price).

Key facts: BMRC vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Bank of Marin Bancorp (BMRC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.79%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BMRC's dividend safety A (83/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BMRC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BMRC pays out 161% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BMRC's fair-value estimate is 3% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so BMRC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "BMRC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bmrc-vs-ma

MetricBMRCMA
Forward yield3.79%0.56%
Annual dividend$1.00$3.48
Payout ratio161%18%
Years of growth0 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth1.7%13.7%
5-yr total return-24%96%
Dividend safety score83 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$27.18$474.95
Upside to fair value+3%-23%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$427.7M$540.9B
P/E ratio—34.0

Higher yield

BMRC

3.79%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

BMRC

+3% upside

BMRC vs MA — FAQ

Is BMRC or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). BMRC offers the higher yield (3.79%), 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, BMRC or MA?

BMRC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.79%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is BMRC or MA safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 83/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is BMRC or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BMRC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 3% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.