MA vs SLF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SLF offers the higher yield at 3.41%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and SLF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs SLF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Sun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.41%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SLF's C (64/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SLF for 10.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SLF pays out 62%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and SLF's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so SLF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SLF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-slf
| Metric | MA | SLF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.41% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.71 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 10 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 8.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 49% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 64 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $66.23 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $44.1B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 18.5 |
Higher yield
SLF
3.41%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
SLF
-17% upside
MA vs SLF — FAQ
Is MA or SLF a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). SLF offers the higher yield (3.41%), 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 SLF?
SLF has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.41%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or SLF safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 64/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SLF better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SLF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.