FNLC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FNLC offers the higher yield at 4.17%, FNLC has the higher dividend-safety score, and FNLC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price).
Key facts: FNLC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, The First Bancorp, Inc. (FNLC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.17%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FNLC's dividend safety A (95/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, FNLC has raised its dividend for 7 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FNLC pays out 43% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FNLC's fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so FNLC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FNLC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fnlc-vs-ma
| Metric | FNLC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.17% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $1.52 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 43% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 7 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 20% | 107% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $39.59 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +9% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $411.1M | $568.6B |
| P/E ratio | 10.4 | 34.2 |
Higher yield
FNLC
4.17%
Safer dividend
FNLC
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FNLC
+9% upside
FNLC vs MA — FAQ
Is FNLC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). FNLC offers the higher yield (4.17%), while FNLC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, FNLC or MA?
FNLC has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.17%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is FNLC or MA safer?
FNLC has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FNLC or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, FNLC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 9% 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.