BAC vs NNI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NNI (Nelnet, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BAC offers the higher yield at 2.50%, NNI has the higher dividend-safety score, and NNI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 72% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs NNI
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 1.04% for Nelnet, Inc. (NNI).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and NNI's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and NNI for 11.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and NNI pays out 15%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and NNI's fair-value estimate is 72% above its share price, so NNI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs NNI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-nni
| Metric | BAC | NNI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 1.04% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $1.32 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 15% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 11 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 7.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | 48% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $218.67 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +72% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $4.6B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 15.2 |
Higher yield
BAC
2.50%
Safer dividend
NNI
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
NNI
+72% upside
BAC vs NNI — FAQ
Is BAC or NNI a better dividend stock?
On the data, NNI wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BAC offers the higher yield (2.50%), while NNI 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 NNI?
BAC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 1.04% for NNI.
Is BAC or NNI safer?
NNI has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or NNI better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NNI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 72% 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.