HTGC 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. HTGC offers the higher yield at 11.48%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HTGC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price).
Key facts: HTGC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.48%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HTGC's dividend safety D (48/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HTGC has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HTGC pays out 94% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HTGC's fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so HTGC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HTGC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/htgc-vs-ma
| Metric | HTGC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 11.48% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.88 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 94% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.4% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -0% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 48 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $23.77 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +45% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.1B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 8.1 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
HTGC
11.48%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
HTGC
+45% upside
HTGC vs MA — FAQ
Is HTGC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HTGC offers the higher yield (11.48%), 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, HTGC or MA?
HTGC has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.48%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is HTGC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 48/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HTGC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HTGC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 45% 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.