CNS vs HSBC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC (HSBC Holdings plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HSBC offers the higher yield at 3.97%, CNS has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price).
Key facts: CNS vs HSBC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.97%, versus 3.85% for Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CNS's dividend safety B (77/100) and HSBC's B (72/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CNS has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and HSBC for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS pays out 79% of its earnings as dividends and HSBC pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CNS's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price and HSBC's fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price, so HSBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CNS vs HSBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cns-vs-hsbc
| Metric | CNS | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.85% | 3.97% |
| Annual dividend | $2.68 | $3.75 |
| Payout ratio | 79% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.7% | -13.8% |
| 5-yr total return | -22% | 242% |
| Dividend safety score | 77 (B) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $62.54 | $135.99 |
| Upside to fair value | -10% | +44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.6B | $323.4B |
| P/E ratio | 21.4 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
HSBC
3.97%
Safer dividend
CNS
Grade B
Faster growth
CNS
9.7%
Better value
HSBC
+44% upside
CNS vs HSBC — FAQ
Is CNS or HSBC a better dividend stock?
On the data, HSBC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HSBC offers the higher yield (3.97%), while CNS has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CNS or HSBC?
HSBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.97%, versus 3.85% for CNS.
Is CNS or HSBC safer?
CNS has the higher dividend-safety score (77/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CNS or HSBC better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price (undervalued). For CNS, its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.