SmarterDividends

MA vs OCSL: 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. OCSL offers the higher yield at 10.56%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and OCSL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 66% above its share price).

Key facts: MA vs OCSL

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 8, 2026, Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (OCSL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.56%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and OCSL's D (44/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and OCSL for 0.
  • As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and OCSL pays out 321%.
  • As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and OCSL's fair-value estimate is 66% above its share price, so OCSL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "MA vs OCSL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ocsl

MetricMAOCSL
Forward yield0.53%10.56%
Annual dividend$3.48$1.32
Payout ratio18%321%
Years of growth14 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.7%6.8%
5-yr total return107%-43%
Dividend safety score89 (A)44 (D)
Fair value estimate$499.25$20.77
Upside to fair value-24%+66%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$568.6B$1.1B
P/E ratio34.226.0

Higher yield

OCSL

10.56%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

OCSL

+66% upside

MA vs OCSL — FAQ

Is MA or OCSL a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). OCSL offers the higher yield (10.56%), 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 OCSL?

OCSL has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.56%, versus 0.53% for MA.

Is MA or OCSL safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 44/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is MA or OCSL better value right now?

As of Nov 8, 2026, OCSL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 66% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.