MA vs VMO: 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. VMO offers the higher yield at 8.57%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and VMO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs VMO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust (VMO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.57%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and VMO's C (54/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and VMO for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and VMO pays out 268%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and VMO's fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price, so VMO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs VMO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-vmo
| Metric | MA | VMO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 8.57% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.75 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 268% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -35% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 54 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $11.09 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $590.1M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 31.3 |
Higher yield
VMO
8.57%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
VMO
+27% upside
MA vs VMO — FAQ
Is MA or VMO a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). VMO offers the higher yield (8.57%), 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 VMO?
VMO has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.57%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or VMO safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or VMO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, VMO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% 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.