MA vs SAR
Mastercard Incorporated compared with Saratoga Investment Corp. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
TTM yield · Quarterly
SAR
Saratoga Investment Corp.
TTM yield · Monthly
Quick take
- SAR yields more today: 18.66% vs 0.61% (forward).
- MA has grown its payout faster: 14.4%/yr vs 13.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
- MA pays every quarter; SAR pays every month.
- MA has the longer streak of annual increases: 14 years vs 0.
- Over the last year MA delivered the higher total return: -3.5% vs -19.1% (price change plus payouts).
- MA raises fewer payout-risk flags on our heuristic (low vs elevated).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | MA | SAR |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $570.89 | $17.42 |
| TTM yield | 0.59% | 18.66% |
| Forward yield | 0.61% | 18.66% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.48 | $3.25 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 8, 2026 (est.) | Oct 2, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 18% | 306% |
| 1-year payout growth | +14.6% | -20.1% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +14.4% | +13.8% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 14 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 87/100 | 74/100 |
| 1-year total return | -3.5% | -19.1% |
| 1-year price return | -4.1% | -31.8% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 500.1B | 280.1M |
| Years paying | 19.9 | 19.3 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Elevated |
| Sector / category | Financial Services | Financial Services |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| MA | SAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 17.5 | 574.1 |
| Income per year | $61 | $1,866 |
| Income per month (avg) | $5 | $155 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | $0.87 | Est. |
| MA Jan 7, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $0.87 | Est. |
| MA Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $0.87 | Est. |
| SAR Oct 2, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | $0.2708 | Est. |
| SAR Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $0.2708 | Est. |
| SAR Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | $0.2708 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MASAR
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, MA or SAR?
SAR currently has the higher trailing yield: MA yields 0.59% and SAR yields 18.66%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MA and SAR pay?
MA pays every quarter and SAR pays every month. MA's next ex-date is Oct 8, 2026 and SAR's is Oct 2, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, MA or SAR?
MA has grown its payout faster: 14.4%/yr vs 13.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is MA or SAR better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MA and SAR differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.