BAC vs PFG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PFG (Principal Financial Group, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PFG offers the higher yield at 3.09%, PFG 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 PFG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.09%, versus 2.50% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and PFG's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and PFG for 13.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and PFG pays out 45%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and PFG's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs PFG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-pfg
| Metric | BAC | PFG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 3.09% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $3.36 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 45% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 6.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | 59% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $115.83 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +6% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $23.3B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 15.5 |
Higher yield
PFG
3.09%
Safer dividend
PFG
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
BAC
+24% upside
BAC vs PFG — FAQ
Is BAC or PFG a better dividend stock?
On the data, PFG wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PFG offers the higher yield (3.09%), while PFG 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 PFG?
PFG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.09%, versus 2.50% for BAC.
Is BAC or PFG safer?
PFG has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or PFG 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 PFG, its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.