SmarterDividends

IAF 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. IAF offers the higher yield at 11.60%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and IAF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).

Key facts: IAF vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Abrdn Australia Equity Fund Inc (IAF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.60%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades IAF's dividend safety C (62/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, IAF has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, IAF pays out 84% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, IAF's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so IAF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "IAF vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/iaf-vs-ma

MetricIAFMA
Forward yield11.60%0.56%
Annual dividend$1.45$3.48
Payout ratio84%18%
Years of growth0 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth-0.9%13.7%
5-yr total return-29%96%
Dividend safety score62 (C)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$15.75$474.95
Upside to fair value+26%-23%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$119.8M$540.9B
P/E ratio7.234.0

Higher yield

IAF

11.60%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

IAF

+26% upside

IAF vs MA — FAQ

Is IAF or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). IAF offers the higher yield (11.60%), 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, IAF or MA?

IAF has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.60%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is IAF or MA safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 62/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is IAF or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, IAF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.