JQC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 28, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. JQC offers the higher yield at 13.03%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and JQC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 38% above its share price).
Key facts: JQC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 28, 2026, Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.03%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 28, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JQC's dividend safety D (46/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 28, 2026, JQC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, JQC pays out 202% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, JQC's fair-value estimate is 38% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so JQC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JQC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 28, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jqc-vs-ma
| Metric | JQC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 13.03% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $0.59 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 202% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -8.7% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -31% | 98% |
| Dividend safety score | 46 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $6.28 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +38% | -21% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $674.0M | $534.2B |
| P/E ratio | 14.7 | 33.5 |
Higher yield
JQC
13.03%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
JQC
+38% upside
JQC vs MA — FAQ
Is JQC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). JQC offers the higher yield (13.03%), 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, JQC or MA?
JQC has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.03%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is JQC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 46/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JQC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 28, 2026, JQC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 38% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.