MA vs PLBC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PLBC offers the higher yield at 2.13%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and PLBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs PLBC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Plumas Bancorp (PLBC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.13%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and PLBC's B (70/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and PLBC for 5.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and PLBC pays out 25%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and PLBC's fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price, so PLBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs PLBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-plbc
| Metric | MA | PLBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 2.13% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.32 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 25% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 5 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 20.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 80% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 70 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $81.46 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +31% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $432.2M |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 12.1 |
Higher yield
PLBC
2.13%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
PLBC
20.1%
Better value
PLBC
+31% upside
MA vs PLBC — FAQ
Is MA or PLBC a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PLBC offers the higher yield (2.13%), 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 PLBC?
PLBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.13%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or PLBC safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or PLBC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PLBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 31% above its share price (undervalued). 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.