FSSL vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, FSSL and MA are closely matched. FSSL offers the higher yield at 11.12%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FSSL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 82% above its share price).
Key facts: FSSL vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.12%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, FSSL has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, FSSL's fair-value estimate is 82% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so FSSL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FSSL vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fssl-vs-ma
| Metric | FSSL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.12% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.27 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | — | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | — | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $20.76 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +82% | -23% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $863.9M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 19.3 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
FSSL
11.12%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FSSL
+82% upside
FSSL vs MA — FAQ
Is FSSL or MA a better dividend stock?
FSSL and MA are closely matched. FSSL has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, FSSL or MA?
FSSL has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.12%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is FSSL or MA safer?
Compare each stock's payout ratio, growth streak and cut history on its detail page to judge safety.
Is FSSL or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, FSSL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 82% above its share price (undervalued). 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.