MA vs MSD: 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. MSD offers the higher yield at 8.68%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MSD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 151% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MSD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (MSD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.68%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MSD's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MSD for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MSD pays out 57%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MSD's fair-value estimate is 151% above its share price, so MSD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MSD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-msd
| Metric | MA | MSD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 8.68% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.59 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 57% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 11.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -25% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $16.93 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +151% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $136.4M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 6.4 |
Higher yield
MSD
8.68%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MSD
+151% upside
MA vs MSD — FAQ
Is MA or MSD a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MSD offers the higher yield (8.68%), 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 MSD?
MSD has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.68%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or MSD safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MSD better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 151% 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.