BAC vs ESNT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT (Essent Group Ltd.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BAC offers the higher yield at 2.50%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESNT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs ESNT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 2.16% for Essent Group Ltd. (ESNT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and ESNT's B (75/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and ESNT for 6.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and ESNT pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and ESNT's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price, so ESNT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs ESNT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-esnt
| Metric | BAC | ESNT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 2.16% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $1.40 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 6 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 14.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | 56% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 75 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $88.33 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +37% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $5.8B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 9.0 |
Higher yield
BAC
2.50%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
ESNT
14.1%
Better value
ESNT
+37% upside
BAC vs ESNT — FAQ
Is BAC or ESNT a better dividend stock?
On the data, ESNT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BAC offers the higher yield (2.50%), 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, BAC or ESNT?
BAC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 2.16% for ESNT.
Is BAC or ESNT safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or ESNT better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% 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.