MA vs USA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. USA offers the higher yield at 11.38%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and USA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs USA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.38%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and USA's C (53/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and USA for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and USA pays out 309%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and USA's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so USA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs USA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-usa
| Metric | MA | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 11.38% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.67 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 309% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 1.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -28% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 53 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $6.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $1.8B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 26.8 |
Higher yield
USA
11.38%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
USA
+4% upside
MA vs USA — FAQ
Is MA or USA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). USA offers the higher yield (11.38%), 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 USA?
USA has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.38%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or USA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 53/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or USA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, USA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price (fairly valued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.