MA vs NPCT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 13, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. NPCT offers the higher yield at 11.89%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NPCT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NPCT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 13, 2026, Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.89%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 13, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NPCT's D (45/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 13, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NPCT for 2.
- As of Nov 13, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NPCT pays out 191%.
- As of Nov 13, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and NPCT's fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price, so NPCT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NPCT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 13, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-npct
| Metric | MA | NPCT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 11.89% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.07 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 191% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -50% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 45 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $9.90 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $568.5B | $259.7M |
| P/E ratio | 34.1 | 14.1 |
Higher yield
NPCT
11.89%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NPCT
+10% upside
MA vs NPCT — FAQ
Is MA or NPCT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). NPCT offers the higher yield (11.89%), 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 NPCT?
NPCT has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.89%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or NPCT safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NPCT better value right now?
As of Nov 13, 2026, NPCT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.