SmarterDividends

AEF vs BAC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF and BAC are closely matched. AEF offers the higher yield at 12.05%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and AEF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price).

Key facts: AEF vs BAC

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. (AEF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.05%, versus 2.50% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AEF's dividend safety C (63/100) and BAC's A (87/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AEF has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and BAC for 12.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF pays out 17% of its earnings as dividends and BAC pays out 26%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF's fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price and BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price, so AEF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "AEF vs BAC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aef-vs-bac

MetricAEFBAC
Forward yield12.05%2.50%
Annual dividend$1.04$1.28
Payout ratio17%26%
Years of growth1 yr12 yr
5-yr dividend growth28.2%8.4%
5-yr total return9%15%
Dividend safety score63 (C)87 (A)
Fair value estimate$22.61$63.43
Upside to fair value+162%+24%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$350.4M$358.2B
P/E ratio1.912.2

Higher yield

AEF

12.05%

Safer dividend

BAC

Grade A

Faster growth

AEF

28.2%

Better value

AEF

+162% upside

AEF vs BAC — FAQ

Is AEF or BAC a better dividend stock?

AEF and BAC are closely matched. AEF has the higher yield; BAC scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, AEF or BAC?

AEF has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.05%, versus 2.50% for BAC.

Is AEF or BAC safer?

BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is AEF or BAC better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price (undervalued). For BAC, its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price.

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