MA vs MAIN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MAIN offers the higher yield at 5.75%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MAIN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MAIN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.75%, versus 0.55% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MAIN's C (54/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MAIN for 3.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MAIN pays out 86%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price and MAIN's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so MAIN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MAIN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-main
| Metric | MA | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 5.75% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $3.18 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 86% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 24% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 54 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $45.34 |
| Upside to fair value | -22% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $555.8B | $5.2B |
| P/E ratio | 33.4 | 11.1 |
Higher yield
MAIN
5.75%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MAIN
-18% upside
MA vs MAIN — FAQ
Is MA or MAIN a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MAIN offers the higher yield (5.75%), 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, MA or MAIN?
MAIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.75%, versus 0.55% for MA.
Is MA or MAIN safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MAIN better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MAIN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.