HPS vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 11, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HPS offers the higher yield at 11.01%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HPS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 13% above its share price).
Key facts: HPS vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 11, 2026, John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (HPS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.01%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 11, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HPS's dividend safety C (57/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 11, 2026, HPS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 11, 2026, HPS pays out 242% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 11, 2026, HPS's fair-value estimate is 13% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so HPS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HPS vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 11, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hps-vs-ma
| Metric | HPS | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.01% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $1.32 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 242% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.0% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -37% | 107% |
| Dividend safety score | 57 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.54 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +13% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $385.0M | $574.0B |
| P/E ratio | 21.8 | 34.5 |
Higher yield
HPS
11.01%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
HPS
+13% upside
HPS vs MA — FAQ
Is HPS or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HPS offers the higher yield (11.01%), 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, HPS or MA?
HPS has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.01%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is HPS or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HPS or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 11, 2026, HPS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% 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.