HEQ vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HEQ offers the higher yield at 8.81%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HEQ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price).
Key facts: HEQ vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, John Hancock Diversified Income Fund (HEQ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.81%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HEQ's dividend safety C (61/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HEQ has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HEQ pays out 60% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HEQ's fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so HEQ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HEQ vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/heq-vs-ma
| Metric | HEQ | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.81% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.00 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 60% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -5.6% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -14% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 61 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.09 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +15% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $135.4M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 6.8 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
HEQ
8.81%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
HEQ
+15% upside
HEQ vs MA — FAQ
Is HEQ or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HEQ offers the higher yield (8.81%), 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, HEQ or MA?
HEQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.81%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is HEQ or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 61/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HEQ or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HEQ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% 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.