SmarterDividends

BWFG vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BWFG and MA are closely matched. BWFG offers the higher yield at 1.22%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BWFG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).

Key facts: BWFG vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (BWFG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.22%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BWFG's dividend safety A (88/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BWFG has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BWFG pays out 15% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BWFG's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so BWFG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

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

MetricBWFGMA
Forward yield1.22%0.56%
Annual dividend$0.80$3.48
Payout ratio15%18%
Years of growth0 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth7.4%13.7%
5-yr total return112%96%
Dividend safety score88 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$76.41$474.95
Upside to fair value+17%-23%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$522.5M$540.9B
P/E ratio12.234.0

Higher yield

BWFG

1.22%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

BWFG

+17% upside

BWFG vs MA — FAQ

Is BWFG or MA a better dividend stock?

BWFG and MA are closely matched. BWFG has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, BWFG or MA?

BWFG has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.22%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is BWFG or MA safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is BWFG or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BWFG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price (undervalued). 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.