MA vs NCZ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NCZ offers the higher yield at 10.35%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NCZ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NCZ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II (NCZ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.35%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NCZ's B (68/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NCZ for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NCZ pays out 32%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and NCZ's fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price, so NCZ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NCZ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ncz
| Metric | MA | NCZ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 10.35% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -5.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -31% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $24.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +80% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $259.9M |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 3.1 |
Higher yield
NCZ
10.35%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NCZ
+80% upside
MA vs NCZ — FAQ
Is MA or NCZ a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NCZ offers the higher yield (10.35%), 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 NCZ?
NCZ has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.35%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or NCZ safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NCZ better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NCZ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.