MA vs XFLT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. XFLT offers the higher yield at 16.40%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and XFLT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 115% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs XFLT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, XAI Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 16.40%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and XFLT's D (47/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and XFLT for 0.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and XFLT's fair-value estimate is 115% above its share price, so XFLT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs XFLT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-xflt
| Metric | MA | XFLT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.57% | 16.40% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.70 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 699% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 1.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 98% | -64% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 47 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $483.05 | $35.33 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +115% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $537.4B | $250.7M |
| P/E ratio | 33.2 | — |
Higher yield
XFLT
16.40%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
XFLT
+115% upside
MA vs XFLT — FAQ
Is MA or XFLT a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). XFLT offers the higher yield (16.40%), 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 XFLT?
XFLT has the higher forward dividend yield at 16.40%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is MA or XFLT safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 47/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or XFLT better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, XFLT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 115% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.