HFRO 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. HFRO offers the higher yield at 7.66%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HFRO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 0% below its share price).
Key facts: HFRO vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Highland Funds I - Highland Opportunities and Income Fund (HFRO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.66%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HFRO's dividend safety C (50/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, HFRO has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, HFRO's fair-value estimate is 0% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so HFRO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HFRO vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hfro-vs-ma
| Metric | HFRO | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 7.66% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $0.46 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 924% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -12.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -46% | 107% |
| Dividend safety score | 50 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $6.02 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | -0% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $333.0M | $568.6B |
| P/E ratio | 120.6 | 34.2 |
Higher yield
HFRO
7.66%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
HFRO
-0% upside
HFRO vs MA — FAQ
Is HFRO or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HFRO offers the higher yield (7.66%), 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, HFRO or MA?
HFRO has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.66%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is HFRO or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 50/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HFRO or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, HFRO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 0% below 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.