MA vs NIE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NIE offers the higher yield at 9.37%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NIE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NIE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.37%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NIE's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NIE for 1.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NIE pays out 43%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and NIE's fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price, so NIE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NIE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nie
| Metric | MA | NIE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 9.37% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.32 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 43% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 5.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -22% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $41.72 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +70% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $556.9B | $679.4M |
| P/E ratio | 35.0 | 5.1 |
Higher yield
NIE
9.37%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NIE
+70% upside
MA vs NIE — FAQ
Is MA or NIE a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NIE offers the higher yield (9.37%), 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 NIE?
NIE has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.37%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or NIE safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NIE better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, NIE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 70% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.