MA vs RAND: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RAND offers the higher yield at 12.73%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and RAND looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 247% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs RAND
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Rand Capital Corporation (RAND) has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.73%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and RAND's A (80/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and RAND for 4.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and RAND pays out 51%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and RAND's fair-value estimate is 247% above its share price, so RAND looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs RAND: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-rand
| Metric | MA | RAND |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 12.73% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.16 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 51% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -32.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -43% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 80 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $33.29 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +247% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $556.9B | $28.5M |
| P/E ratio | 35.0 | — |
Higher yield
RAND
12.73%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
RAND
+247% upside
MA vs RAND — FAQ
Is MA or RAND a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RAND offers the higher yield (12.73%), 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 RAND?
RAND has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.73%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or RAND safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or RAND better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, RAND looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 247% above its share price (undervalued). 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.