SmarterDividends

MA vs MTG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, MA and MTG are closely matched. MTG offers the higher yield at 2.44%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MTG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price).

Key facts: MA vs MTG

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.44%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and MTG's A (81/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MTG for 5.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MTG pays out 19%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MTG's fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price, so MTG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

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

MetricMAMTG
Forward yield0.56%2.44%
Annual dividend$3.48$0.68
Payout ratio18%19%
Years of growth14 yr5 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.7%18.5%
5-yr total return96%98%
Dividend safety score89 (A)81 (A)
Fair value estimate$474.95$27.86
Upside to fair value-23%+0%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$540.9B$5.7B
P/E ratio34.08.7

Higher yield

MTG

2.44%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MTG

18.5%

Better value

MTG

+0% upside

MA vs MTG — FAQ

Is MA or MTG a better dividend stock?

MA and MTG are closely matched. MTG has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or MTG?

MTG has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.44%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is MA or MTG safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 81/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is MA or MTG better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, MTG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.