MA vs NBTB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NBTB offers the higher yield at 3.08%, NBTB has the higher dividend-safety score, and NBTB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NBTB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, NBT Bancorp Inc. (NBTB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.08%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NBTB's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NBTB for 13.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NBTB pays out 36%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and NBTB's fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price, so NBTB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NBTB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nbtb
| Metric | MA | NBTB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 3.08% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.60 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 36% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 45% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $73.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +39% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $556.9B | $2.8B |
| P/E ratio | 35.0 | 12.7 |
Higher yield
NBTB
3.08%
Safer dividend
NBTB
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NBTB
+39% upside
MA vs NBTB — FAQ
Is MA or NBTB a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NBTB offers the higher yield (3.08%), while NBTB 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 NBTB?
NBTB has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.08%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or NBTB safer?
NBTB has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NBTB better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, NBTB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 39% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.