SmarterDividends

MA vs MRBK: 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. MRBK offers the higher yield at 3.03%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRBK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price).

Key facts: MA vs MRBK

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Meridian Corporation (MRBK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.03%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MRBK's B (79/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MRBK for 0.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MRBK pays out 29%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MRBK's fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price, so MRBK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "MA vs MRBK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-mrbk

MetricMAMRBK
Forward yield0.56%3.03%
Annual dividend$3.48$0.56
Payout ratio18%29%
Years of growth14 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.7%14.9%
5-yr total return96%10%
Dividend safety score89 (A)79 (B)
Fair value estimate$474.95$30.50
Upside to fair value-23%+65%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$540.9B$220.8M
P/E ratio34.010.1

Higher yield

MRBK

3.03%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MRBK

14.9%

Better value

MRBK

+65% upside

MA vs MRBK — FAQ

Is MA or MRBK a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRBK offers the higher yield (3.03%), 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 MRBK?

MRBK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.03%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is MA or MRBK safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 79/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is MA or MRBK better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, MRBK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 65% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.