MA vs WABC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA and WABC are closely matched. WABC offers the higher yield at 3.15%, WABC has the higher dividend-safety score, and WABC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs WABC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.15%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and WABC's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WABC for 36.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and WABC pays out 41%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and WABC's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so WABC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs WABC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-wabc
| Metric | MA | WABC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 3.15% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.92 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 41% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 36 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 13% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $61.71 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $556.9B | $1.4B |
| P/E ratio | 35.0 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
WABC
3.15%
Safer dividend
WABC
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
WABC
+1% upside
MA vs WABC — FAQ
Is MA or WABC a better dividend stock?
MA and WABC are closely matched. WABC has the higher yield; WABC scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or WABC?
WABC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.15%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or WABC safer?
WABC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or WABC better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, WABC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% 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.