EQBK vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 1, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. EQBK offers the higher yield at 1.85%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price).
Key facts: EQBK vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 1, 2026, Equity Bancshares, Inc. (EQBK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.85%, versus 0.63% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 1, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EQBK's dividend safety B (71/100) and MA's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 1, 2026, EQBK has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, EQBK pays out 46% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 1, 2026, EQBK's fair-value estimate is 32% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EQBK vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 1, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/eqbk-vs-ma
| Metric | EQBK | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.85% | 0.63% |
| Annual dividend | $0.88 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 46% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 4 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 45% | 69% |
| Dividend safety score | 71 (B) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $32.07 | $475.48 |
| Upside to fair value | -32% | -14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $970.7M | $483.1B |
| P/E ratio | 30.0 | 30.3 |
Higher yield
EQBK
1.85%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-14% upside
EQBK vs MA — FAQ
Is EQBK or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). EQBK offers the higher yield (1.85%), 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, EQBK or MA?
EQBK has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.85%, versus 0.63% for MA.
Is EQBK or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EQBK or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 1, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price (fairly valued). For EQBK, its fair-value estimate is 32% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.


