MA vs RQI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 10, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RQI offers the higher yield at 9.03%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and RQI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs RQI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 10, 2026, Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund, Inc. (RQI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.03%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 10, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and RQI's B (71/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 10, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and RQI for 0.
- As of Nov 10, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and RQI pays out 68%.
- As of Nov 10, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and RQI's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price, so RQI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs RQI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 10, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-rqi
| Metric | MA | RQI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 9.03% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.08 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 68% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -28% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 71 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $11.76 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $571.3B | $1.8B |
| P/E ratio | 34.3 | 7.3 |
Higher yield
RQI
9.03%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
RQI
-2% upside
MA vs RQI — FAQ
Is MA or RQI a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). RQI offers the higher yield (9.03%), 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 RQI?
RQI has the higher forward dividend yield at 9.03%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or RQI safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or RQI better value right now?
As of Nov 10, 2026, RQI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.