LEO vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. LEO offers the higher yield at 5.98%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and LEO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: LEO vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc. (LEO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.98%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LEO's dividend safety C (53/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, LEO has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, LEO pays out 137% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, LEO's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so LEO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LEO vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/leo-vs-ma
| Metric | LEO | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.98% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $0.36 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 137% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -9.4% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -29% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 53 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $8.01 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +33% | -25% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $373.8M | $578.5B |
| P/E ratio | 30.0 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
LEO
5.98%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
LEO
+33% upside
LEO vs MA — FAQ
Is LEO or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). LEO offers the higher yield (5.98%), 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, LEO or MA?
LEO has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.98%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is LEO or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 53/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LEO or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, LEO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.