MA vs NCDL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. NCDL offers the higher yield at 12.87%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NCDL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 48% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NCDL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Corp. (NCDL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.87%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NCDL's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NCDL for 1.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NCDL pays out 182%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and NCDL's fair-value estimate is 48% above its share price, so NCDL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NCDL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ncdl
| Metric | MA | NCDL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 12.87% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.52 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 182% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | — |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $17.44 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +48% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $580.0M |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 13.3 |
Higher yield
NCDL
12.87%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NCDL
+48% upside
MA vs NCDL — FAQ
Is MA or NCDL a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). NCDL offers the higher yield (12.87%), 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 NCDL?
NCDL has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.87%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or NCDL safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NCDL better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, NCDL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 48% 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.