ESNT vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ESNT offers the higher yield at 2.16%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESNT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price).
Key facts: ESNT vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Essent Group Ltd. (ESNT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESNT's dividend safety B (75/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ESNT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ESNT vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/esnt-vs-ma
| Metric | ESNT | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.16% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.40 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 6 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 14.1% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 56% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $88.33 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +37% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.8B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 9.0 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ESNT
2.16%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
ESNT
14.1%
Better value
ESNT
+37% upside
ESNT vs MA — FAQ
Is ESNT or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ESNT 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, ESNT or MA?
ESNT has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ESNT or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESNT or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% 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.