MA vs STEP: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. STEP offers the higher yield at 4.13%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and STEP looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs STEP
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, StepStone Group Inc. (STEP) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.13%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and STEP's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and STEP for 4.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and STEP pays out 165%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and STEP's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so STEP looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs STEP: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-step
| Metric | MA | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 4.13% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.72 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 165% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 1% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $32.17 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $5.4B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | — |
Higher yield
STEP
4.13%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
STEP
-23% upside
MA vs STEP — FAQ
Is MA or STEP a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). STEP offers the higher yield (4.13%), 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 STEP?
STEP has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.13%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or STEP safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or STEP better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, STEP looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% 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.