MA vs SLM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, MA and SLM are closely matched. SLM offers the higher yield at 2.14%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and SLM trades at the larger discount to fair value (+69%).
| Metric | MA | SLM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.66% | 2.14% |
| 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 | 56% | 30% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $558.11 | $41.00 |
| Upside to fair value | +3% | +69% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $476.8B | $4.6B |
| P/E ratio | 31.2 | 6.8 |
Higher yield
SLM
2.14%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
SLM
34.1%
Better value
SLM
+69% upside
MA vs SLM — FAQ
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