FLC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FLC offers the higher yield at 8.06%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FLC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price).
Key facts: FLC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund Inc. (FLC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.06%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FLC's dividend safety C (59/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, FLC has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FLC pays out 67% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FLC's fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so FLC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FLC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/flc-vs-ma
| Metric | FLC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.06% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 67% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -4.3% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -30% | 107% |
| Dividend safety score | 59 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $17.58 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +11% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $166.2M | $568.6B |
| P/E ratio | 8.9 | 34.2 |
Higher yield
FLC
8.06%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FLC
+11% upside
FLC vs MA — FAQ
Is FLC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FLC offers the higher yield (8.06%), 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, FLC or MA?
FLC has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.06%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is FLC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FLC or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, FLC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.