MA vs WFC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WFC offers the higher yield at 2.42%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and WFC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs WFC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.42%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and WFC's B (74/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WFC for 4.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and WFC pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and WFC's fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price, so WFC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs WFC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-wfc
| Metric | MA | WFC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 2.42% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.00 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 4 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 6.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | 72% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 74 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $109.43 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +31% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $534.6B | $251.1B |
| P/E ratio | 33.6 | 11.8 |
Higher yield
WFC
2.42%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
WFC
+31% upside
MA vs WFC — FAQ
Is MA or WFC a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). WFC offers the higher yield (2.42%), 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 WFC?
WFC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.42%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or WFC safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 74/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or WFC better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, WFC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 31% 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.