CII 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. CII offers the higher yield at 7.15%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and CII looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 59% above its share price).
Key facts: CII vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BlackRock Enhanced Large Cap Core Fund, Inc. (CII) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.15%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CII's dividend safety B (76/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CII has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CII pays out 29% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CII's fair-value estimate is 59% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so CII looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CII vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cii-vs-ma
| Metric | CII | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 7.15% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $1.69 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 29% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.9% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 12% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $36.43 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +59% | -25% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.0B | $578.5B |
| P/E ratio | 3.9 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
CII
7.15%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CII
+59% upside
CII vs MA — FAQ
Is CII or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CII offers the higher yield (7.15%), 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, CII or MA?
CII has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.15%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is CII or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 76/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CII or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, CII looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 59% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.