SmarterDividends

MA vs TCPC: 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. TCPC offers the higher yield at 19.41%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and TCPC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 145% above its share price).

Key facts: MA vs TCPC

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 27, 2026, BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (TCPC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 19.41%, versus 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and TCPC's D (41/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and TCPC for 0.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and TCPC pays out 389%.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and TCPC's fair-value estimate is 145% above its share price, so TCPC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "MA vs TCPC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-tcpc

MetricMATCPC
Forward yield0.57%19.41%
Annual dividend$3.48$0.76
Payout ratio18%389%
Years of growth14 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth13.7%-3.2%
5-yr total return98%-70%
Dividend safety score89 (A)41 (D)
Fair value estimate$483.05$9.56
Upside to fair value-21%+145%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$537.4B$328.1M
P/E ratio33.2—

Higher yield

TCPC

19.41%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

TCPC

+145% upside

MA vs TCPC — FAQ

Is MA or TCPC a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). TCPC offers the higher yield (19.41%), 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 TCPC?

TCPC has the higher forward dividend yield at 19.41%, versus 0.57% for MA.

Is MA or TCPC safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 41/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is MA or TCPC better value right now?

As of Oct 27, 2026, TCPC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 145% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.