GDL vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GDL offers the higher yield at 5.78%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: GDL vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The GDL Fund (GDL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.78%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GDL's dividend safety B (71/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, GDL has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, GDL pays out 71% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, GDL's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GDL vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gdl-vs-ma
| Metric | GDL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.78% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 71% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.9% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -6% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 71 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $5.80 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -30% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $89.3M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 12.4 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
GDL
5.78%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
GDL vs MA — FAQ
Is GDL or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). GDL offers the higher yield (5.78%), 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, GDL or MA?
GDL has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.78%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is GDL or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GDL or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For GDL, its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.