MA vs NMS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NMS offers the higher yield at 7.41%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NMS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 106% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NMS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund (NMS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.41%, versus 0.55% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NMS's D (47/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NMS for 2.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NMS pays out 71%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and NMS's fair-value estimate is 106% above its share price, so NMS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NMS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nms
| Metric | MA | NMS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 7.41% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.76 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 71% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 7.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | -33% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 47 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $20.99 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +106% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $554.7B | $65.4M |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 8.9 |
Higher yield
NMS
7.41%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NMS
+106% upside
MA vs NMS — FAQ
Is MA or NMS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NMS offers the higher yield (7.41%), 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 NMS?
NMS has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.41%, versus 0.55% for MA.
Is MA or NMS safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 47/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NMS better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, NMS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 106% 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.