MA vs VALU: 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. VALU offers the higher yield at 3.25%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and VALU looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs VALU
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Value Line, Inc. (VALU) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and VALU's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and VALU for 11.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and VALU pays out 64%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and VALU's fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price, so VALU looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs VALU: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-valu
| Metric | MA | VALU |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.25% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.40 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 11 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 9.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 6% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $40.11 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -7% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $404.0M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 20.4 |
Higher yield
VALU
3.25%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
VALU
-7% upside
MA vs VALU — FAQ
Is MA or VALU a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). VALU offers the higher yield (3.25%), 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 VALU?
VALU has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.25%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or VALU safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or VALU better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, VALU looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.