FT 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. FT offers the higher yield at 6.90%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 59% above its share price).
Key facts: FT vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Franklin Universal Trust (FT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.90%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FT's dividend safety B (76/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, FT has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FT pays out 82% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FT's fair-value estimate is 59% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so FT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FT vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ft-vs-ma
| Metric | FT | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 6.90% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $0.51 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 82% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.1% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -10% | 107% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $11.72 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +59% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $185.7M | $568.6B |
| P/E ratio | 11.9 | 34.2 |
Higher yield
FT
6.90%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FT
+59% upside
FT vs MA — FAQ
Is FT or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FT offers the higher yield (6.90%), 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, FT or MA?
FT has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.90%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is FT or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 76/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FT or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, FT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 59% above its share price (undervalued). 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.