MA vs SAFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SAFT offers the higher yield at 3.54%, SAFT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs SAFT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (SAFT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.54%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SAFT's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SAFT for 1.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SAFT pays out 79%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and SAFT's fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SAFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-saft
| Metric | MA | SAFT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.54% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $3.68 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 79% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 0.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 35% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $48.82 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -53% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $1.5B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 22.3 |
Higher yield
SAFT
3.54%
Safer dividend
SAFT
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
MA vs SAFT — FAQ
Is MA or SAFT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SAFT offers the higher yield (3.54%), while SAFT 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 SAFT?
SAFT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.54%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or SAFT safer?
SAFT has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SAFT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price (overvalued). For SAFT, its fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.