SmarterDividends

FSCO vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 28, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. FSCO offers the higher yield at 14.11%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FSCO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 217% above its share price).

Key facts: FSCO vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 28, 2026, FS Credit Opportunities Corp. (FSCO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 14.11%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 28, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FSCO's dividend safety D (48/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 28, 2026, FSCO has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 28, 2026, FSCO pays out 128% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 28, 2026, FSCO's fair-value estimate is 217% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so FSCO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "FSCO vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 28, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fsco-vs-ma

MetricFSCOMA
Forward yield14.11%0.57%
Annual dividend$0.71$3.48
Payout ratio128%18%
Years of growth3 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth—13.7%
5-yr total return—98%
Dividend safety score48 (D)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$16.11$483.05
Upside to fair value+217%-21%
Frequencymonthlyquarterly
Market cap$1.0B$534.2B
P/E ratio8.333.5

Higher yield

FSCO

14.11%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

FSCO

+217% upside

FSCO vs MA — FAQ

Is FSCO or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). FSCO offers the higher yield (14.11%), 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, FSCO or MA?

FSCO has the higher forward dividend yield at 14.11%, versus 0.57% for MA.

Is FSCO or MA safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 48/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is FSCO or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 28, 2026, FSCO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 217% 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.