MA vs PNNT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 12, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PNNT offers the higher yield at 29.27%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and PNNT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PNNT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 12, 2026, PennantPark Investment Corporation (PNNT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 29.27%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 12, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PNNT's D (49/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 12, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PNNT for 1.
- As of Nov 12, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and PNNT's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so PNNT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PNNT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 12, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-pnnt
| Metric | MA | PNNT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 29.27% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 533% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -9.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -51% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 49 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $2.67 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $575.6B | $214.2M |
| P/E ratio | 34.5 | 21.9 |
Higher yield
PNNT
29.27%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
PNNT
-19% upside
MA vs PNNT — FAQ
Is MA or PNNT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). PNNT offers the higher yield (29.27%), 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 PNNT?
PNNT has the higher forward dividend yield at 29.27%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or PNNT safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 49/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PNNT better value right now?
As of Nov 12, 2026, PNNT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price (overvalued). 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.