SmarterDividends

MA vs WASH: 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. WASH offers the higher yield at 6.05%, WASH has the higher dividend-safety score, and WASH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 87% above its share price).

Key facts: MA vs WASH

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (WASH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.05%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and WASH's A (92/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WASH for 0.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and WASH pays out 78%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and WASH's fair-value estimate is 87% above its share price, so WASH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "MA vs WASH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-wash

MetricMAWASH
Forward yield0.56%6.05%
Annual dividend$3.48$2.24
Payout ratio18%78%
Years of growth14 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.7%1.8%
5-yr total return96%-31%
Dividend safety score89 (A)92 (A)
Fair value estimate$474.95$69.26
Upside to fair value-23%+87%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$540.9B$706.9M
P/E ratio34.012.9

Higher yield

WASH

6.05%

Safer dividend

WASH

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

WASH

+87% upside

MA vs WASH — FAQ

Is MA or WASH a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WASH offers the higher yield (6.05%), while WASH 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 WASH?

WASH has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.05%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is MA or WASH safer?

WASH has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is MA or WASH better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, WASH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 87% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.