MA vs SAN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SAN offers the higher yield at 2.38%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and SAN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs SAN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Banco Santander, S.A. (SAN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SAN's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SAN for 4.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SAN pays out 26%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and SAN's fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price, so SAN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SAN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-san
| Metric | MA | SAN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 2.38% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.29 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 260% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $16.38 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +36% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $173.7B |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 11.4 |
Higher yield
SAN
2.38%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
SAN
+36% upside
MA vs SAN — FAQ
Is MA or SAN a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). SAN offers the higher yield (2.38%), 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 SAN?
SAN has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or SAN safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SAN better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SAN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.