MA vs NMCO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NMCO offers the higher yield at 9.10%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NMCO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NMCO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Nuveen Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund (NMCO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.10%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NMCO's D (45/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NMCO for 2.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NMCO pays out 169%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and NMCO's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price, so NMCO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NMCO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nmco
| Metric | MA | NMCO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 9.10% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.82 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 169% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 2.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -42% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 45 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $9.57 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +6% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $538.1M |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 19.2 |
Higher yield
NMCO
9.10%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NMCO
+6% upside
MA vs NMCO — FAQ
Is MA or NMCO a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NMCO offers the higher yield (9.10%), 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 NMCO?
NMCO has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.10%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or NMCO safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NMCO better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, NMCO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.