MA vs WAFD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WAFD offers the higher yield at 3.71%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and WAFD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs WAFD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.71%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and WAFD's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WAFD for 16.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and WAFD pays out 34%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and WAFD's fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price, so WAFD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs WAFD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-wafd
| Metric | MA | WAFD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.71% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.08 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 34% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $52.56 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +80% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $2.2B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 9.2 |
Higher yield
WAFD
3.71%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
WAFD
+80% upside
MA vs WAFD — FAQ
Is MA or WAFD a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WAFD offers the higher yield (3.71%), 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 WAFD?
WAFD has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.71%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or WAFD safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or WAFD better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WAFD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 80% 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.