ESQ vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESQ (Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. ESQ offers the higher yield at 0.67%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESQ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: ESQ vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (ESQ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.67%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESQ's dividend safety A (80/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ESQ has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESQ pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESQ's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ESQ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ESQ vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/esq-vs-ma
| Metric | ESQ | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.67% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.80 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 260% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $158.32 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +33% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.4B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 19.6 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ESQ
0.67%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ESQ
+33% upside
ESQ vs MA — FAQ
Is ESQ or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, ESQ wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). ESQ offers the higher yield (0.67%), 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, ESQ or MA?
ESQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.67%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ESQ or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESQ or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESQ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% 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.