ATLO vs BAC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ATLO offers the higher yield at 2.98%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and ATLO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price).
Key facts: ATLO vs BAC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ames National Corporation (ATLO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.98%, versus 2.50% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ATLO's dividend safety C (64/100) and BAC's A (87/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and BAC for 12.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO pays out 34% of its earnings as dividends and BAC pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO's fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price and BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price, so ATLO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ATLO vs BAC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/atlo-vs-bac
| Metric | ATLO | BAC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.98% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $0.96 | $1.28 |
| Payout ratio | 34% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -4.2% | 8.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 31% | 15% |
| Dividend safety score | 64 (C) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $42.63 | $63.43 |
| Upside to fair value | +33% | +24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $284.9M | $358.2B |
| P/E ratio | 12.5 | 12.2 |
Higher yield
ATLO
2.98%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
ATLO
+33% upside
ATLO vs BAC — FAQ
Is ATLO or BAC a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ATLO offers the higher yield (2.98%), while BAC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ATLO or BAC?
ATLO has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.98%, versus 2.50% for BAC.
Is ATLO or BAC safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 64/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ATLO or BAC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ATLO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 33% above its share price (undervalued). For BAC, its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.