BAC vs LAZ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. LAZ offers the higher yield at 5.54%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs LAZ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Lazard, Inc. (LAZ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.54%, versus 2.50% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and LAZ's A (85/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and LAZ for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and LAZ pays out 98%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and LAZ's fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs LAZ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-laz
| Metric | BAC | LAZ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 5.54% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $2.00 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 98% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 1.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | -15% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $42.51 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $3.6B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 17.7 |
Higher yield
LAZ
5.54%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
BAC
+24% upside
BAC vs LAZ — FAQ
Is BAC or LAZ a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). LAZ offers the higher yield (5.54%), 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 LAZ?
LAZ has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.54%, versus 2.50% for BAC.
Is BAC or LAZ safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or LAZ better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price (undervalued). For LAZ, its fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.