BNS vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BNS offers the higher yield at 3.36%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BNS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price).
Key facts: BNS vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.36%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BNS's dividend safety C (52/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, BNS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BNS pays out 58% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BNS's fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so BNS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BNS vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bns-vs-ma
| Metric | BNS | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.36% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $3.24 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 58% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 50% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 52 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $100.67 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +7% | -25% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $114.8B | $578.5B |
| P/E ratio | 17.1 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
BNS
3.36%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
BNS
+7% upside
BNS vs MA — FAQ
Is BNS or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). BNS offers the higher yield (3.36%), 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, BNS or MA?
BNS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.36%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is BNS or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BNS or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, BNS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.