MA vs PEBK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PEBK offers the higher yield at 1.90%, PEBK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PEBK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.90%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PEBK's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PEBK for 13.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and PEBK pays out 23%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and PEBK's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PEBK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-pebk
| Metric | MA | PEBK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 1.90% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.84 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 5.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 55% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $20.27 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -54% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $235.8M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 12.2 |
Higher yield
PEBK
1.90%
Safer dividend
PEBK
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
MA vs PEBK — FAQ
Is MA or PEBK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). PEBK offers the higher yield (1.90%), while PEBK 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 PEBK?
PEBK has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.90%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or PEBK safer?
PEBK has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PEBK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For PEBK, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.