MA vs PFG: 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. PFG offers the higher yield at 3.09%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and PFG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PFG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.09%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PFG's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PFG for 13.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and PFG pays out 45%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and PFG's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price, so PFG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PFG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-pfg
| Metric | MA | PFG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.09% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $3.36 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 45% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 6.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 59% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $115.83 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +6% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $23.3B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 15.5 |
Higher yield
PFG
3.09%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
PFG
+6% upside
MA vs PFG — FAQ
Is MA or PFG a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). PFG offers the higher yield (3.09%), 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 PFG?
PFG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.09%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or PFG safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PFG better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PFG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.