MA vs MCY: 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. MCY offers the higher yield at 1.24%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MCY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Mercury General Corporation (MCY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.24%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MCY's B (69/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MCY for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MCY pays out 8%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MCY's fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MCY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-mcy
| Metric | MA | MCY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 1.24% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.27 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 8% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -12.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 101% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 69 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $31.40 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -69% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $5.7B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 6.1 |
Higher yield
MCY
1.24%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
MA vs MCY — FAQ
Is MA or MCY a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MCY offers the higher yield (1.24%), 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 MCY?
MCY has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.24%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or MCY safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 69/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MCY better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For MCY, its fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.