MA vs STEW: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 16, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. STEW offers the higher yield at 4.48%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and STEW looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 66% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs STEW
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 16, 2026, SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. (STEW) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.48%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 16, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and STEW's B (77/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 16, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and STEW for 4.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and STEW pays out 49%.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and STEW's fair-value estimate is 66% above its share price, so STEW looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs STEW: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 16, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-stew
| Metric | MA | STEW |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 4.48% |
| Annual dividend | $3.37 | $0.73 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 49% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 10.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 37% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 77 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $29.57 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +66% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $539.9B | $1.7B |
| P/E ratio | 33.9 | 11.9 |
Higher yield
STEW
4.48%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
STEW
+66% upside
MA vs STEW — FAQ
Is MA or STEW a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). STEW offers the higher yield (4.48%), 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 STEW?
STEW has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.48%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or STEW safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or STEW better value right now?
As of Oct 16, 2026, STEW looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 66% above its share price (undervalued). 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.