MA vs SSB: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SSB offers the higher yield at 2.52%, SSB has the higher dividend-safety score, and SSB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs SSB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SouthState Bank Corporation (SSB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.52%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and SSB's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and SSB for 14.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and SSB pays out 25%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and SSB's fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price, so SSB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs SSB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ssb
| Metric | MA | SSB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 2.52% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.64 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 3.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 35% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $144.49 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +36% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $556.9B | $10.3B |
| P/E ratio | 35.0 | 11.3 |
Higher yield
SSB
2.52%
Safer dividend
SSB
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
SSB
+36% upside
MA vs SSB — FAQ
Is MA or SSB a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). SSB offers the higher yield (2.52%), while SSB 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 SSB?
SSB has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.52%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or SSB safer?
SSB has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or SSB better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, SSB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.