ECF vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ECF offers the higher yield at 7.55%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ECF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price).
Key facts: ECF vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.55%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ECF's dividend safety A (85/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ECF has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ECF pays out 30% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ECF's fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ECF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ECF vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ecf-vs-ma
| Metric | ECF | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 7.55% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.88 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 30% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.9% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -7% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.83 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +19% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $159.1M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 3.7 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ECF
7.55%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ECF
+19% upside
ECF vs MA — FAQ
Is ECF or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ECF offers the higher yield (7.55%), 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, ECF or MA?
ECF has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.55%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ECF or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ECF or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ECF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% 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.