FNWD vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FNWD offers the higher yield at 1.14%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FNWD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: FNWD vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Finward Bancorp (FNWD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.14%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FNWD's dividend safety C (65/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, FNWD has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, FNWD pays out 21% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, FNWD's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so FNWD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FNWD vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fnwd-vs-ma
| Metric | FNWD | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.14% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 21% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -17.3% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -8% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 65 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $34.47 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $181.6M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 18.5 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
FNWD
1.14%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FNWD
-18% upside
FNWD vs MA — FAQ
Is FNWD or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FNWD offers the higher yield (1.14%), 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, FNWD or MA?
FNWD has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.14%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is FNWD or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FNWD or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, FNWD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). 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.