MA vs PFN: 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. PFN offers the higher yield at 13.57%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and PFN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 118% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PFN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II (PFN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.57%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PFN's C (57/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PFN for 0.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and PFN pays out 166%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and PFN's fair-value estimate is 118% above its share price, so PFN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PFN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-pfn
| Metric | MA | PFN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 13.57% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.86 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 166% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -34% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 57 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $13.84 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +118% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $627.5M |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | — |
Higher yield
PFN
13.57%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
PFN
+118% upside
MA vs PFN — FAQ
Is MA or PFN a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). PFN offers the higher yield (13.57%), 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 PFN?
PFN has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.57%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or PFN safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 57/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PFN better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, PFN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 118% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.