ISTR 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 7 head-to-head metrics. ISTR offers the higher yield at 1.67%, ISTR has the higher dividend-safety score, and ISTR looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: ISTR vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Investar Holding Corporation (ISTR) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.67%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ISTR's dividend safety A (89/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR pays out 19% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so ISTR looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ISTR vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/istr-vs-ma
| Metric | ISTR | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.67% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 19% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 11 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 11.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 61% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $36.37 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +26% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $397.1M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 11.9 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
ISTR
1.67%
Safer dividend
ISTR
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
ISTR
+26% upside
ISTR vs MA — FAQ
Is ISTR or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). ISTR offers the higher yield (1.67%), while ISTR has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ISTR or MA?
ISTR has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.67%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is ISTR or MA safer?
ISTR has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ISTR or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ISTR 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.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.