MA vs NCV: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 13, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NCV offers the higher yield at 10.41%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NCV looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NCV
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 13, 2026, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund (NCV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.41%, versus 0.59% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 13, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (88/100) and NCV's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 13, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NCV for 0.
- As of Oct 13, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NCV pays out 35%.
- As of Oct 13, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price and NCV's fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price, so NCV looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NCV: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 13, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ncv
| Metric | MA | NCV |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.59% | 10.41% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.63 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 35% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -5.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 76% | -38% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $23.24 |
| Upside to fair value | -20% | +49% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $521.3B | $352.9M |
| P/E ratio | 32.7 | 4.2 |
Higher yield
NCV
10.41%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NCV
+49% upside
MA vs NCV — FAQ
Is MA or NCV a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NCV offers the higher yield (10.41%), 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 NCV?
NCV has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.41%, versus 0.59% for MA.
Is MA or NCV safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 66/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NCV better value right now?
As of Oct 13, 2026, NCV looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.