MA vs TY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. TY offers the higher yield at 3.51%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and TY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs TY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Tri-Continental Corporation (TY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.51%, versus 0.53% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and TY's B (67/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and TY for 0.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and TY pays out 17%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and TY's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so TY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs TY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-ty
| Metric | MA | TY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.53% | 3.51% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.18 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 17% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 0.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 107% | -3% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 67 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $35.11 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $568.6B | $1.8B |
| P/E ratio | 34.2 | 5.3 |
Higher yield
TY
3.51%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
TY
+4% upside
MA vs TY — FAQ
Is MA or TY a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). TY offers the higher yield (3.51%), 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 TY?
TY has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.51%, versus 0.53% for MA.
Is MA or TY safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 67/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or TY better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, TY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.