EQH vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. EQH offers the higher yield at 2.16%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: EQH vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EQH's dividend safety B (71/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, EQH has raised its dividend for 7 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, EQH pays out 85% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, EQH's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EQH vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/eqh-vs-ma
| Metric | EQH | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.16% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.14 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 85% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 7 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 68% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 71 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $24.29 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $14.4B | $546.3B |
| P/E ratio | — | 33.7 |
Higher yield
EQH
2.16%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
EQH vs MA — FAQ
Is EQH or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). EQH offers the higher yield (2.16%), 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, EQH or MA?
EQH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is EQH or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EQH or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For EQH, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.