MA vs NCA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NCA offers the higher yield at 4.22%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NCA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Nuveen California Municipal Income Fund (NCA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.22%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NCA's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NCA for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NCA pays out 99%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and NCA's fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NCA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nca
| Metric | MA | NCA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 4.22% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.36 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 99% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 1.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -16% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $5.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | -40% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | — |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 24.2 |
Higher yield
NCA
4.22%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-25% upside
MA vs NCA — FAQ
Is MA or NCA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). NCA offers the higher yield (4.22%), 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 NCA?
NCA has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.22%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or NCA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NCA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price (overvalued). For NCA, its fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.