MA vs PFS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PFS offers the higher yield at 4.32%, PFS has the higher dividend-safety score, and PFS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 91% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PFS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Provident Financial Services, Inc. (PFS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.32%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PFS's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PFS for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and PFS pays out 40%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and PFS's fair-value estimate is 91% above its share price, so PFS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PFS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-pfs
| Metric | MA | PFS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 4.32% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 40% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 0.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $42.40 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +91% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $2.9B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 9.3 |
Higher yield
PFS
4.32%
Safer dividend
PFS
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
PFS
+91% upside
MA vs PFS — FAQ
Is MA or PFS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PFS offers the higher yield (4.32%), while PFS 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 PFS?
PFS has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.32%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or PFS safer?
PFS has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PFS better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PFS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 91% above its share price (undervalued). 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.