MA vs NUW: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NUW offers the higher yield at 4.24%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NUW looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NUW
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund (NUW) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.24%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NUW's C (62/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NUW for 4.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NUW pays out 67%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and NUW's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price, so NUW looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NUW: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nuw
| Metric | MA | NUW |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 4.24% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.58 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 67% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -17% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 62 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $11.86 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | -14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $246.1M |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 15.8 |
Higher yield
NUW
4.24%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NUW
-14% upside
MA vs NUW — FAQ
Is MA or NUW a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NUW offers the higher yield (4.24%), 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 NUW?
NUW has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.24%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or NUW safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 62/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NUW better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NUW looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% below 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.