SmarterDividends

FFBC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 29, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FFBC offers the higher yield at 3.10%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FFBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price).

Key facts: FFBC vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 29, 2026, First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.10%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FFBC's dividend safety A (84/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC pays out 35% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC's fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so FFBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "FFBC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ffbc-vs-ma

MetricFFBCMA
Forward yield3.10%0.57%
Annual dividend$1.01$3.48
Payout ratio35%18%
Years of growth2 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth1.3%13.7%
5-yr total return42%98%
Dividend safety score84 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$46.78$483.05
Upside to fair value+43%-21%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$3.4B$534.6B
P/E ratio11.533.6

Higher yield

FFBC

3.10%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

FFBC

+43% upside

FFBC vs MA — FAQ

Is FFBC or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FFBC offers the higher yield (3.10%), 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, FFBC or MA?

FFBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.10%, versus 0.57% for MA.

Is FFBC or MA safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is FFBC or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 29, 2026, FFBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 43% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.