MA vs SCM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SCM offers the higher yield at 13.77%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and SCM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 74% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs SCM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (SCM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.77%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SCM's D (41/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SCM for 0.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SCM pays out 145%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and SCM's fair-value estimate is 74% above its share price, so SCM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SCM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-scm
| Metric | MA | SCM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 13.77% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.00 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 145% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -7.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | -47% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 41 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $12.39 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +74% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $202.5M |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 7.0 |
Higher yield
SCM
13.77%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
SCM
+74% upside
MA vs SCM — FAQ
Is MA or SCM a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). SCM offers the higher yield (13.77%), 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 SCM?
SCM has the higher forward dividend yield at 13.77%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or SCM safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 41/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SCM better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SCM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 74% 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.