MA vs RIV: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RIV offers the higher yield at 15.47%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and RIV looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 64% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs RIV
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. (RIV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 15.47%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and RIV's C (53/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and RIV for 2.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and RIV pays out 100%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and RIV's fair-value estimate is 64% above its share price, so RIV looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs RIV: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-riv
| Metric | MA | RIV |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 15.47% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.57 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 100% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -6.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | -40% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 53 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $16.63 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +64% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $537.4B | $311.3M |
| P/E ratio | 33.2 | 6.6 |
Higher yield
RIV
15.47%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
RIV
+64% upside
MA vs RIV — FAQ
Is MA or RIV a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RIV offers the higher yield (15.47%), 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 RIV?
RIV has the higher forward dividend yield at 15.47%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or RIV safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 53/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or RIV better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, RIV looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 64% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.