MA vs PRU: 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. PRU offers the higher yield at 4.83%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and PRU looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PRU
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Prudential Financial, Inc. (PRU) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.83%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PRU's A (87/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PRU for 12.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and PRU pays out 50%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and PRU's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price, so PRU looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PRU: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-pru
| Metric | MA | PRU |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 4.83% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $5.60 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 50% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 13% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $101.65 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -12% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $40.0B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 10.5 |
Higher yield
PRU
4.83%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
PRU
-12% upside
MA vs PRU — FAQ
Is MA or PRU a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PRU offers the higher yield (4.83%), 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 PRU?
PRU has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.83%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or PRU safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PRU better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PRU looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.