MA vs TCBK: 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. TCBK offers the higher yield at 2.77%, TCBK has the higher dividend-safety score, and TCBK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs TCBK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, TriCo Bancshares (TCBK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.77%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and TCBK's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and TCBK for 13.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and TCBK pays out 35%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and TCBK's fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price, so TCBK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs TCBK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-tcbk
| Metric | MA | TCBK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 2.77% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 35% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 9.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 23% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $64.95 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | +25% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $1.7B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 12.5 |
Higher yield
TCBK
2.77%
Safer dividend
TCBK
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
TCBK
+25% upside
MA vs TCBK — FAQ
Is MA or TCBK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). TCBK offers the higher yield (2.77%), while TCBK 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 TCBK?
TCBK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.77%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or TCBK safer?
TCBK has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or TCBK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, TCBK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 25% 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.