AEF vs HSBC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF (abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AEF offers the higher yield at 12.05%, HSBC 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 HSBC
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 3.97% for HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AEF's dividend safety C (63/100) and HSBC's B (72/100).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF pays out 17% of its earnings as dividends and HSBC pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF's fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price and HSBC's fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price, so AEF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AEF vs HSBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aef-vs-hsbc
| Metric | AEF | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 12.05% | 3.97% |
| Annual dividend | $1.04 | $3.75 |
| Payout ratio | 17% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 28.2% | -13.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 9% | 242% |
| Dividend safety score | 63 (C) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $22.61 | $135.99 |
| Upside to fair value | +162% | +44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $350.4M | $323.4B |
| P/E ratio | 1.9 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
AEF
12.05%
Safer dividend
HSBC
Grade B
Faster growth
AEF
28.2%
Better value
AEF
+162% upside
AEF vs HSBC — FAQ
Is AEF or HSBC a better dividend stock?
On the data, AEF wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AEF offers the higher yield (12.05%), while HSBC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AEF or HSBC?
AEF has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.05%, versus 3.97% for HSBC.
Is AEF or HSBC safer?
HSBC has the higher dividend-safety score (72/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AEF or HSBC 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 HSBC, its fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.