MA vs NZF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NZF offers the higher yield at 8.32%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and NZF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 54% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs NZF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Nuveen Municipal Credit Income Fund (NZF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.32%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and NZF's C (53/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and NZF for 2.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and NZF pays out 105%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and NZF's fair-value estimate is 54% above its share price, so NZF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs NZF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-nzf
| Metric | MA | NZF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 8.32% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.95 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 105% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -33% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 53 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $17.71 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +54% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $2.3B |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 12.6 |
Higher yield
NZF
8.32%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
NZF
+54% upside
MA vs NZF — FAQ
Is MA or NZF a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NZF offers the higher yield (8.32%), 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 NZF?
NZF has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.32%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or NZF safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 53/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or NZF better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, NZF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 54% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.