MA vs NTRS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NTRS offers the higher yield at 2.12%, NTRS has the higher dividend-safety score, and NTRS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NTRS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.12%, versus 0.55% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NTRS's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NTRS for 1.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NTRS pays out 27%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and NTRS's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so NTRS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NTRS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ntrs
| Metric | MA | NTRS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 2.12% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $3.28 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 27% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 43% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $172.36 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $554.7B | $30.3B |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 13.1 |
Higher yield
NTRS
2.12%
Safer dividend
NTRS
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NTRS
+4% upside
MA vs NTRS — FAQ
Is MA or NTRS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NTRS offers the higher yield (2.12%), while NTRS 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 NTRS?
NTRS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.12%, versus 0.55% for MA.
Is MA or NTRS safer?
NTRS has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NTRS better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, NTRS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.