FDUS vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 4, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FDUS offers the higher yield at 11.01%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FDUS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price).
Key facts: FDUS vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 4, 2026, Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.01%, versus 0.54% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 4, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FDUS's dividend safety D (47/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 4, 2026, FDUS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 4, 2026, FDUS pays out 106% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 4, 2026, FDUS's fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so FDUS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FDUS vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 4, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fdus-vs-ma
| Metric | FDUS | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.01% | 0.54% |
| Annual dividend | $2.14 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 106% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.1% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 6% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 47 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $32.57 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +65% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $783.9M | $575.6B |
| P/E ratio | 9.5 | 34.6 |
Higher yield
FDUS
11.01%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FDUS
+65% upside
FDUS vs MA — FAQ
Is FDUS or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FDUS offers the higher yield (11.01%), 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, FDUS or MA?
FDUS has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.01%, versus 0.54% for MA.
Is FDUS or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 47/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FDUS or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 4, 2026, FDUS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.