MA vs WHG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WHG offers the higher yield at 3.22%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and WHG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs WHG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (WHG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.22%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and WHG's B (68/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and WHG for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and WHG pays out 70%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and WHG's fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price, so WHG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs WHG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-whg
| Metric | MA | WHG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 3.22% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $0.60 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 70% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | -19.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 15% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $19.47 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +5% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $177.8M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 21.7 |
Higher yield
WHG
3.22%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
WHG
+5% upside
MA vs WHG — FAQ
Is MA or WHG a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). WHG offers the higher yield (3.22%), 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 WHG?
WHG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.22%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or WHG safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or WHG better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WHG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.