BAC vs WABC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, WABC (Westamerica Bancorporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. WABC offers the higher yield at 3.16%, WABC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs WABC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.16%, versus 2.56% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and WABC's A (98/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and WABC for 36.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and WABC pays out 41%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price and WABC's fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs WABC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-wabc
| Metric | BAC | WABC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.56% | 3.16% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $1.92 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 41% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 36 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 12% | 13% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 98 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $61.71 |
| Upside to fair value | +27% | +2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $346.2B | $1.4B |
| P/E ratio | 11.9 | 13.4 |
Higher yield
WABC
3.16%
Safer dividend
WABC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
BAC
+27% upside
BAC vs WABC — FAQ
Is BAC or WABC a better dividend stock?
On the data, WABC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). WABC offers the higher yield (3.16%), while WABC 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 WABC?
WABC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.16%, versus 2.56% for BAC.
Is BAC or WABC safer?
WABC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or WABC better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price (undervalued). For WABC, its fair-value estimate is 2% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.