MA vs MC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MC offers the higher yield at 4.77%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Moelis & Company (MC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.77%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MC's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MC for 1.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MC pays out 91%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MC's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so MC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-mc
| Metric | MA | MC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 4.77% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.60 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 91% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 16.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $56.75 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $4.0B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 19.0 |
Higher yield
MC
4.77%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MC
16.9%
Better value
MC
+4% upside
MA vs MC — FAQ
Is MA or MC a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MC offers the higher yield (4.77%), 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 MC?
MC has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.77%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or MC safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.