BWG vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BWG offers the higher yield at 14.04%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BWG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 91% above its share price).
Key facts: BWG vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Legg Mason BW Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc. (BWG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 14.04%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BWG's dividend safety C (52/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, BWG has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, BWG pays out 109% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, BWG's fair-value estimate is 91% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so BWG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BWG vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bwg-vs-ma
| Metric | BWG | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 14.04% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 109% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.5% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -42% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 52 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.09 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +91% | -23% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $114.9M | $546.3B |
| P/E ratio | 7.8 | 33.7 |
Higher yield
BWG
14.04%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
BWG
+91% upside
BWG vs MA — FAQ
Is BWG or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). BWG offers the higher yield (14.04%), 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, BWG or MA?
BWG has the higher forward dividend yield at 14.04%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is BWG or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BWG or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, BWG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 91% 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.