LKFN 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 7 head-to-head metrics. LKFN offers the higher yield at 3.59%, LKFN has the higher dividend-safety score, and LKFN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price).
Key facts: LKFN vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Lakeland Financial Corporation (LKFN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.59%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LKFN's dividend safety A (93/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, LKFN has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LKFN pays out 47% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LKFN's fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so LKFN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LKFN vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lkfn-vs-ma
| Metric | LKFN | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.59% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $2.08 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 47% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.8% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -18% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $83.66 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +44% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.4B | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 13.3 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
LKFN
3.59%
Safer dividend
LKFN
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
LKFN
+44% upside
LKFN vs MA — FAQ
Is LKFN or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). LKFN offers the higher yield (3.59%), while LKFN has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, LKFN or MA?
LKFN has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.59%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is LKFN or MA safer?
LKFN has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LKFN or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, LKFN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 44% 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.