MA vs PSEC-PA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. PSEC-PA offers the higher yield at 9.21%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and PSEC-PA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PSEC-PA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Prospect Capital Corporation (PSEC-PA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.21%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PSEC-PA's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PSEC-PA for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and PSEC-PA's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price, so PSEC-PA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PSEC-PA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-psec-pa
| Metric | MA | PSEC-PA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 9.21% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.34 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | — |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -33% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $18.54 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | — |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 6.9 |
Higher yield
PSEC-PA
9.21%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
PSEC-PA
+28% upside
MA vs PSEC-PA — FAQ
Is MA or PSEC-PA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 2). PSEC-PA offers the higher yield (9.21%), 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-PA?
PSEC-PA has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.21%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or PSEC-PA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PSEC-PA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PSEC-PA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% 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.