MA vs PSEC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PSEC offers the higher yield at 28.09%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PSEC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Prospect Capital Corporation (PSEC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 28.09%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PSEC's D (41/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PSEC for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and PSEC's fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PSEC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-psec
| Metric | MA | PSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 28.09% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.42 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 867% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | -83% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 41 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $0.47 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | -69% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $537.4B | $795.4M |
| P/E ratio | 33.2 | 24.8 |
Higher yield
PSEC
28.09%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-21% upside
MA vs PSEC — FAQ
Is MA or PSEC a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). PSEC offers the higher yield (28.09%), 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 PSEC?
PSEC has the higher forward dividend yield at 28.09%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or PSEC safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 41/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PSEC better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price (overvalued). For PSEC, its fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.