MA vs NMZ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 9, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NMZ offers the higher yield at 8.71%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NMZ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 12% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NMZ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 9, 2026, Nuveen Municipal High Income Opportunity Fund (NMZ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.71%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NMZ's C (54/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 9, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NMZ for 2.
- As of Nov 9, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NMZ pays out 131%.
- As of Nov 9, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and NMZ's fair-value estimate is 12% above its share price, so NMZ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NMZ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nmz
| Metric | MA | NMZ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 8.71% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.79 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 131% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 1.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -39% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 54 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $10.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +12% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $1.9B |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 15.0 |
Higher yield
NMZ
8.71%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NMZ
+12% upside
MA vs NMZ — FAQ
Is MA or NMZ a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NMZ offers the higher yield (8.71%), 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 NMZ?
NMZ has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.71%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or NMZ safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NMZ better value right now?
As of Nov 9, 2026, NMZ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 12% 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.