JHS 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. JHS offers the higher yield at 6.17%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and JHS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price).
Key facts: JHS vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, John Hancock Income Securities Trust (JHS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.17%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JHS's dividend safety C (58/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, JHS has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, JHS pays out 81% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, JHS's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so JHS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JHS vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jhs-vs-ma
| Metric | JHS | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 6.17% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.63 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 81% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -6.3% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -35% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 58 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $8.19 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -20% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $118.8M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 13.6 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
JHS
6.17%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
JHS
-20% upside
JHS vs MA — FAQ
Is JHS or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). JHS offers the higher yield (6.17%), 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, JHS or MA?
JHS has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.17%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is JHS or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JHS or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, JHS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price (overvalued). 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.