ECF vs HSBC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ECF (Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ECF offers the higher yield at 7.55%, ECF 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: ECF vs HSBC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.55%, versus 3.97% for HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ECF's dividend safety A (85/100) and HSBC's B (72/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ECF has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and HSBC for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ECF pays out 30% of its earnings as dividends and HSBC pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ECF's fair-value estimate is 19% above 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, "ECF vs HSBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ecf-vs-hsbc
| Metric | ECF | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 7.55% | 3.97% |
| Annual dividend | $0.88 | $3.75 |
| Payout ratio | 30% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.9% | -13.8% |
| 5-yr total return | -7% | 242% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.83 | $135.99 |
| Upside to fair value | +19% | +44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $159.1M | $323.4B |
| P/E ratio | 3.7 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
ECF
7.55%
Safer dividend
ECF
Grade A
Faster growth
ECF
2.9%
Better value
HSBC
+44% upside
ECF vs HSBC — FAQ
Is ECF or HSBC a better dividend stock?
On the data, ECF wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ECF offers the higher yield (7.55%), while ECF has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ECF or HSBC?
ECF has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.55%, versus 3.97% for HSBC.
Is ECF or HSBC safer?
ECF has the higher dividend-safety score (85/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ECF 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 ECF, its fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.