MA vs MC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of August 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MC offers the higher yield at 3.86%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MC trades at the larger discount to fair value (+27%).
| Metric | MA | MC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.60% | 3.86% |
| 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 | 63% | 8% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $566.16 | $84.70 |
| Upside to fair value | +1% | +27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $493.1B | $4.9B |
| P/E ratio | 31.6 | 23.4 |
Higher yield
MC
3.86%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MC
16.9%
Better value
MC
+27% upside
MA vs MC — FAQ
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