MA vs VRTS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA and VRTS are closely matched. VRTS offers the higher yield at 7.97%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and VRTS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs VRTS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (VRTS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.97%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and VRTS's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and VRTS for 8.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and VRTS pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and VRTS's fair-value estimate is 5% below its share price, so VRTS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs VRTS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-vrts
| Metric | MA | VRTS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 7.97% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $9.80 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 8 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 26.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -59% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $116.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -5% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $814.1M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 7.0 |
Higher yield
VRTS
7.97%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
VRTS
26.5%
Better value
VRTS
-5% upside
MA vs VRTS — FAQ
Is MA or VRTS a better dividend stock?
MA and VRTS are closely matched. VRTS has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or VRTS?
VRTS has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.97%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or VRTS safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 74/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or VRTS better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, VRTS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% 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.