ESNT vs HSBC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT and HSBC are closely matched. HSBC offers the higher yield at 3.97%, ESNT 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: ESNT 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 2.16% for Essent Group Ltd. (ESNT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESNT's dividend safety B (75/100) and HSBC's B (72/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and HSBC for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and HSBC pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT's fair-value estimate is 37% 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, "ESNT vs HSBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/esnt-vs-hsbc
| Metric | ESNT | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.16% | 3.97% |
| Annual dividend | $1.40 | $3.75 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 6 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 14.1% | -13.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 56% | 242% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $88.33 | $135.99 |
| Upside to fair value | +37% | +44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.8B | $323.4B |
| P/E ratio | 9.0 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
HSBC
3.97%
Safer dividend
ESNT
Grade B
Faster growth
ESNT
14.1%
Better value
HSBC
+44% upside
ESNT vs HSBC — FAQ
Is ESNT or HSBC a better dividend stock?
ESNT and HSBC are closely matched. HSBC has the higher yield; ESNT scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ESNT or HSBC?
HSBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.97%, versus 2.16% for ESNT.
Is ESNT or HSBC safer?
ESNT has the higher dividend-safety score (75/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESNT 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 ESNT, its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.