MA vs SLF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SLF offers the higher yield at 3.43%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and SLF trades at the larger discount to fair value (+2%).
| Metric | MA | SLF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.60% | 3.43% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.77 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 62% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 10 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 8.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 67% | 57% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 64 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $574.10 | $82.31 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | +2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $507.4B | $45.1B |
| P/E ratio | 31.8 | 19.0 |
Higher yield
SLF
3.43%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
SLF
+2% upside
MA vs SLF — FAQ
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