MA vs NEA: 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. NEA offers the higher yield at 7.80%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 94% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NEA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund (NEA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.80%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NEA's D (45/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NEA for 2.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NEA pays out 109%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and NEA's fair-value estimate is 94% above its share price, so NEA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NEA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nea
| Metric | MA | NEA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 7.80% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.82 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 109% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -31% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 45 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $20.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +94% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $3.1B |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
NEA
7.80%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NEA
+94% upside
MA vs NEA — FAQ
Is MA or NEA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NEA offers the higher yield (7.80%), 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 NEA?
NEA has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.80%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or NEA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NEA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NEA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 94% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.