KBDC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. KBDC offers the higher yield at 12.87%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and KBDC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price).
Key facts: KBDC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Kayne Anderson BDC, Inc. (KBDC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.87%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades KBDC's dividend safety C (55/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, KBDC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, KBDC pays out 147% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, KBDC's fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so KBDC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "KBDC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/kbdc-vs-ma
| Metric | KBDC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 12.87% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.60 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 147% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 55 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $15.28 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +23% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $820.8M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 11.4 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
KBDC
12.87%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
KBDC
+23% upside
KBDC vs MA — FAQ
Is KBDC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). KBDC offers the higher yield (12.87%), 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, KBDC or MA?
KBDC has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.87%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is KBDC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 55/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is KBDC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, KBDC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% 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.