MA vs RDN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA and RDN are closely matched. RDN offers the higher yield at 3.00%, RDN has the higher dividend-safety score, and RDN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 88% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs RDN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Radian Group Inc. (RDN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.00%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and RDN's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and RDN for 6.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and RDN pays out 25%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and RDN's fair-value estimate is 88% above its share price, so RDN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs RDN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-rdn
| Metric | MA | RDN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.02 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 6 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 15.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 67% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $64.06 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +88% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $4.5B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 8.4 |
Higher yield
RDN
3.00%
Safer dividend
RDN
Grade A
Faster growth
RDN
15.3%
Better value
RDN
+88% upside
MA vs RDN — FAQ
Is MA or RDN a better dividend stock?
MA and RDN are closely matched. RDN has the higher yield; RDN scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or RDN?
RDN has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.00%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or RDN safer?
RDN has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or RDN better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, RDN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 88% 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.