HTH vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HTH offers the higher yield at 2.17%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HTH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).
Key facts: HTH vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.17%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HTH's dividend safety B (73/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HTH has raised its dividend for 8 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HTH pays out 28% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HTH's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so HTH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HTH vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hth-vs-ma
| Metric | HTH | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.17% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.80 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 28% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 8 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 14.9% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 8% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $43.04 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +17% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $2.1B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 13.6 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
HTH
2.17%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
HTH
14.9%
Better value
HTH
+17% upside
HTH vs MA — FAQ
Is HTH or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HTH offers the higher yield (2.17%), 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, HTH or MA?
HTH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.17%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is HTH or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HTH or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HTH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.