HWC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HWC offers the higher yield at 2.78%, HWC has the higher dividend-safety score, and HWC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: HWC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.78%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HWC's dividend safety A (98/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, HWC has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, HWC pays out 37% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, HWC's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so HWC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HWC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hwc-vs-ma
| Metric | HWC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.78% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 37% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.8% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 51% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 98 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $84.34 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +16% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.8B | $556.9B |
| P/E ratio | 14.6 | 35.0 |
Higher yield
HWC
2.78%
Safer dividend
HWC
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
HWC
+16% upside
HWC vs MA — FAQ
Is HWC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HWC offers the higher yield (2.78%), while HWC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HWC or MA?
HWC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.78%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is HWC or MA safer?
HWC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HWC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, HWC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.