MA vs NTRSO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. NTRSO offers the higher yield at 6.40%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NTRSO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NTRSO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Northern Trust Corporation (NTRSO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.40%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NTRSO's B (73/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NTRSO for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and NTRSO's fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price, so NTRSO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NTRSO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ntrso
| Metric | MA | NTRSO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 6.40% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.18 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | — |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -30% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 73 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $22.51 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | — |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 2.5 |
Higher yield
NTRSO
6.40%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NTRSO
+23% upside
MA vs NTRSO — FAQ
Is MA or NTRSO a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). NTRSO offers the higher yield (6.40%), 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 NTRSO?
NTRSO has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.40%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or NTRSO safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NTRSO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NTRSO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.