HRZN vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HRZN offers the higher yield at 18.32%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HRZN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 58% above its share price).
Key facts: HRZN vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 18.32%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HRZN's dividend safety D (43/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, HRZN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, HRZN pays out 386% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, HRZN's fair-value estimate is 58% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so HRZN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HRZN vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hrzn-vs-ma
| Metric | HRZN | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 18.32% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $0.72 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 386% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.1% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -77% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 43 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $6.21 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +58% | -21% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $268.9M | $537.4B |
| P/E ratio | 13.6 | 33.2 |
Higher yield
HRZN
18.32%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
HRZN
+58% upside
HRZN vs MA — FAQ
Is HRZN or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HRZN offers the higher yield (18.32%), 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, HRZN or MA?
HRZN has the higher forward dividend yield at 18.32%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is HRZN or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 43/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HRZN or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, HRZN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 58% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.