SmarterDividends

MA vs NHS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NHS offers the higher yield at 20.34%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NHS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 110% above its share price).

Key facts: MA vs NHS

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 27, 2026, Neuberger Berman Income Funds - Neuberger High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (NHS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 20.34%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NHS's C (59/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NHS for 0.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NHS pays out 181%.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and NHS's fair-value estimate is 110% above its share price, so NHS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "MA vs NHS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nhs

MetricMANHS
Forward yield0.57%20.34%
Annual dividend$3.48$1.09
Payout ratio18%181%
Years of growth14 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.7%0.0%
5-yr total return98%-57%
Dividend safety score89 (A)59 (C)
Fair value estimate$483.05$11.21
Upside to fair value-21%+110%
Frequencyquarterlymonthly
Market cap$537.4B$223.5M
P/E ratio33.28.9

Higher yield

NHS

20.34%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

NHS

+110% upside

MA vs NHS — FAQ

Is MA or NHS a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NHS offers the higher yield (20.34%), 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 NHS?

NHS has the higher forward dividend yield at 20.34%, versus 0.57% for MA.

Is MA or NHS safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is MA or NHS better value right now?

As of Oct 27, 2026, NHS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 110% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.