MA vs SLMBP: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SLMBP (SLM Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SLMBP offers the higher yield at 8.10%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and SLMBP looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs SLMBP
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SLM Corporation (SLMBP) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.10%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SLMBP's C (50/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SLMBP for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and SLMBP's fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price, so SLMBP looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SLMBP: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-slmbp
| Metric | MA | SLMBP |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 8.10% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $5.81 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | — |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 19.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 19% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 50 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $77.36 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | — |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 33.5 |
Higher yield
SLMBP
8.10%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
SLMBP
19.6%
Better value
SLMBP
+8% upside
MA vs SLMBP — FAQ
Is MA or SLMBP a better dividend stock?
On the data, SLMBP wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). SLMBP offers the higher yield (8.10%), 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 SLMBP?
SLMBP has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.10%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or SLMBP safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 50/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SLMBP better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SLMBP looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.