SmarterDividends

BABA vs HOFT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA (Alibaba Group Holding Limited) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. HOFT offers the higher yield at 3.58%, BABA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BABA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).

Key facts: BABA vs HOFT

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Hooker Furnishings Corporation (HOFT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.58%, versus 0.96% for Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BABA's dividend safety C (58/100) and HOFT's C (56/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BABA has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and HOFT for 0.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA pays out 25% of its earnings as dividends and HOFT pays out 239%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price and HOFT's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so BABA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "BABA vs HOFT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/baba-vs-hoft

MetricBABAHOFT
Forward yield0.96%3.58%
Annual dividend$1.05$0.46
Payout ratio25%239%
Years of growth2 yr0 yr
5-yr dividend growth—4.1%
5-yr total return-14%-46%
Dividend safety score58 (C)56 (C)
Fair value estimate$107.90$9.63
Upside to fair value-1%-25%
Frequencyannualquarterly
Market cap$271.4B$137.4M
P/E ratio26.4—

Higher yield

HOFT

3.58%

Safer dividend

BABA

Grade C

Faster growth

HOFT

4.1%

Better value

BABA

-1% upside

BABA vs HOFT — FAQ

Is BABA or HOFT a better dividend stock?

On the data, BABA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). HOFT offers the higher yield (3.58%), while BABA has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, BABA or HOFT?

HOFT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.58%, versus 0.96% for BABA.

Is BABA or HOFT safer?

BABA has the higher dividend-safety score (58/100 vs 56/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is BABA or HOFT better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, BABA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price (fairly valued). For HOFT, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.

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