FTHY 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. FTHY offers the higher yield at 11.58%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and FTHY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price).
Key facts: FTHY vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (FTHY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.58%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FTHY's dividend safety D (48/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, FTHY has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FTHY pays out 217% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, FTHY's fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so FTHY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FTHY vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fthy-vs-ma
| Metric | FTHY | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.58% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $1.50 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 217% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.0% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -36% | 107% |
| Dividend safety score | 48 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.15 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +2% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $476.2M | $568.6B |
| P/E ratio | 18.8 | 34.2 |
Higher yield
FTHY
11.58%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
FTHY
+2% upside
FTHY vs MA — FAQ
Is FTHY or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FTHY offers the higher yield (11.58%), 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, FTHY or MA?
FTHY has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.58%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is FTHY or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 48/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FTHY or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, FTHY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% 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.