MA vs MSDL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. MSDL offers the higher yield at 13.81%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MSDL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs MSDL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.81%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MSDL's D (40/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MSDL for 1.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MSDL pays out 275%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MSDL's fair-value estimate is 40% above its share price, so MSDL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs MSDL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-msdl
| Metric | MA | MSDL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 13.81% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.80 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 275% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | — |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 40 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $18.25 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +40% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $1.1B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 18.9 |
Higher yield
MSDL
13.81%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MSDL
+40% upside
MA vs MSDL — FAQ
Is MA or MSDL a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). MSDL offers the higher yield (13.81%), 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 MSDL?
MSDL has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.81%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or MSDL safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 40/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or MSDL better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MSDL 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.