MA vs SAR: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SAR offers the higher yield at 22.52%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score.
Key facts: MA vs SAR
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) has the higher forward dividend yield at 22.52%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SAR's D (45/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SAR for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SAR pays out 306%.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SAR: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-sar
| Metric | MA | SAR |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 22.52% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $3.00 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 306% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -11.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | -53% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 45 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | — |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | — |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $537.4B | $207.3M |
| P/E ratio | 33.2 | — |
Higher yield
SAR
22.52%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
MA vs SAR — FAQ
Is MA or SAR a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). SAR offers the higher yield (22.52%), 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 SAR?
SAR has the higher forward dividend yield at 22.52%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or SAR safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.