MA vs MCO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA and MCO are closely matched. MCO offers the higher yield at 0.78%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MCO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MCO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Moody's Corporation (MCO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.78%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MCO's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MCO for 16.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MCO pays out 25%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and MCO's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so MCO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MCO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-mco
| Metric | MA | MCO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 0.78% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $4.12 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 10.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 26% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $419.05 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $89.0B |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 31.5 |
Higher yield
MCO
0.78%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MCO
-19% upside
MA vs MCO — FAQ
Is MA or MCO a better dividend stock?
MA and MCO are closely matched. MCO has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or MCO?
MCO has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.78%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or MCO safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MCO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MCO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price (overvalued). 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.