MA vs WDI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. WDI offers the higher yield at 15.66%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and WDI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 118% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs WDI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Western Asset Diversified Income Fund (WDI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 15.66%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and WDI's C (65/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WDI for 4.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and WDI pays out 164%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and WDI's fair-value estimate is 118% above its share price, so WDI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs WDI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-wdi
| Metric | MA | WDI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 15.66% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.78 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 164% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | -38% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 65 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $24.79 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +118% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $537.4B | $590.8M |
| P/E ratio | 33.2 | 10.4 |
Higher yield
WDI
15.66%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
WDI
+118% upside
MA vs WDI — FAQ
Is MA or WDI a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). WDI offers the higher yield (15.66%), 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 WDI?
WDI has the higher forward dividend yield at 15.66%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or WDI safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 65/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or WDI better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, WDI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 118% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.