EARN vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. EARN offers the higher yield at 25.74%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and EARN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 177% above its share price).
Key facts: EARN vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Ellington Credit Company (EARN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 25.74%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EARN's dividend safety C (52/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, EARN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, EARN's fair-value estimate is 177% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so EARN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EARN vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/earn-vs-ma
| Metric | EARN | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 25.74% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 0% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -22.2% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -66% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 52 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $10.33 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +177% | -21% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $146.6M | $537.4B |
| P/E ratio | — | 33.2 |
Higher yield
EARN
25.74%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
EARN
+177% upside
EARN vs MA — FAQ
Is EARN or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). EARN offers the higher yield (25.74%), 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, EARN or MA?
EARN has the higher forward dividend yield at 25.74%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is EARN or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EARN or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, EARN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 177% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.