MA vs NNI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA and NNI are closely matched. NNI offers the higher yield at 1.04%, NNI has the higher dividend-safety score, and NNI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 72% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NNI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Nelnet, Inc. (NNI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.04%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NNI's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NNI for 11.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NNI pays out 15%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and NNI's fair-value estimate is 72% above its share price, so NNI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NNI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nni
| Metric | MA | NNI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 1.04% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.32 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 15% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 11 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 7.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 48% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $218.67 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +72% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $4.6B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 15.2 |
Higher yield
NNI
1.04%
Safer dividend
NNI
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NNI
+72% upside
MA vs NNI — FAQ
Is MA or NNI a better dividend stock?
MA and NNI are closely matched. NNI has the higher yield; NNI scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or NNI?
NNI has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.04%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or NNI safer?
NNI has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NNI better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NNI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 72% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.