MA vs MHF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MHF offers the higher yield at 6.36%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MHF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MHF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. (MHF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.36%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MHF's C (53/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MHF for 3.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MHF pays out 109%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MHF's fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price, so MHF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MHF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-mhf
| Metric | MA | MHF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 6.36% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.41 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 109% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 7.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -23% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 53 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $9.01 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +40% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $142.7M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 17.4 |
Higher yield
MHF
6.36%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MHF
+40% upside
MA vs MHF — FAQ
Is MA or MHF a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MHF offers the higher yield (6.36%), 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 MHF?
MHF has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.36%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or MHF safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 53/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MHF better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MHF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price (undervalued). 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.