GECC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GECC offers the higher yield at 21.28%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and GECC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 222% above its share price).
Key facts: GECC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Great Elm Capital Corp. (GECC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 21.28%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GECC's dividend safety D (41/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, GECC has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, GECC pays out 92% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, GECC's fair-value estimate is 222% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so GECC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GECC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gecc-vs-ma
| Metric | GECC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 21.28% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $1.00 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 92% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 41.8% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -77% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 41 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $15.11 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +222% | -21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $65.3M | $537.4B |
| P/E ratio | — | 33.2 |
Higher yield
GECC
21.28%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
GECC
41.8%
Better value
GECC
+222% upside
GECC vs MA — FAQ
Is GECC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). GECC offers the higher yield (21.28%), 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, GECC or MA?
GECC has the higher forward dividend yield at 21.28%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is GECC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 41/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GECC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, GECC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 222% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.