BAC vs NWBI: 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. NWBI offers the higher yield at 5.36%, NWBI has the higher dividend-safety score, and NWBI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 67% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs NWBI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (NWBI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.36%, versus 2.50% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and NWBI's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and NWBI for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and NWBI pays out 77%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and NWBI's fair-value estimate is 67% above its share price, so NWBI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs NWBI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-nwbi
| Metric | BAC | NWBI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 5.36% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $0.80 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 77% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 1.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | 12% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $24.87 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +67% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $2.2B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 14.4 |
Higher yield
NWBI
5.36%
Safer dividend
NWBI
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
NWBI
+67% upside
BAC vs NWBI — FAQ
Is BAC or NWBI a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NWBI offers the higher yield (5.36%), while NWBI 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 NWBI?
NWBI has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.36%, versus 2.50% for BAC.
Is BAC or NWBI safer?
NWBI has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or NWBI better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NWBI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 67% 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.