CATY vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CATY offers the higher yield at 2.54%, CATY has the higher dividend-safety score, and CATY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price).
Key facts: CATY vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.54%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CATY's dividend safety A (91/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CATY has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CATY pays out 28% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CATY's fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so CATY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CATY vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/caty-vs-ma
| Metric | CATY | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.54% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.52 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 28% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.9% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 43% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $81.68 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +36% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $4.0B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 11.7 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
CATY
2.54%
Safer dividend
CATY
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CATY
+36% upside
CATY vs MA — FAQ
Is CATY or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CATY offers the higher yield (2.54%), while CATY has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CATY or MA?
CATY has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.54%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is CATY or MA safer?
CATY has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CATY or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CATY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% 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.