MA vs SLM: 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. SLM offers the higher yield at 2.39%, MA 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 SLM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SLM Corporation (SLM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.39%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SLM's B (68/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SLM for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SLM pays out 14%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and SLM's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so MA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SLM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-slm
| Metric | MA | SLM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 2.39% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.52 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 14% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 34.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 23% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $16.49 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $4.1B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 6.1 |
Higher yield
SLM
2.39%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
SLM
34.1%
Better value
MA
-23% upside
MA vs SLM — FAQ
Is MA or SLM a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SLM offers the higher yield (2.39%), 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 SLM?
SLM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.39%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or SLM safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SLM 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 SLM, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.