GDL 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 7 head-to-head metrics. GDL offers the higher yield at 5.78%, HSBC 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: GDL vs HSBC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The GDL Fund (GDL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.78%, versus 3.97% for HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GDL's dividend safety B (71/100) and HSBC's B (72/100).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, GDL pays out 71% of its earnings as dividends and HSBC pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, GDL's fair-value estimate is 30% 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, "GDL vs HSBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gdl-vs-hsbc
| Metric | GDL | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.78% | 3.97% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $3.75 |
| Payout ratio | 71% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.9% | -13.8% |
| 5-yr total return | -6% | 242% |
| Dividend safety score | 71 (B) | 72 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $5.80 | $135.99 |
| Upside to fair value | -30% | +44% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $89.3M | $323.4B |
| P/E ratio | 12.4 | 13.5 |
Higher yield
GDL
5.78%
Safer dividend
HSBC
Grade B
Faster growth
GDL
0.9%
Better value
HSBC
+44% upside
GDL vs HSBC — FAQ
Is GDL or HSBC a better dividend stock?
On the data, HSBC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). GDL offers the higher yield (5.78%), while HSBC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, GDL or HSBC?
GDL has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.78%, versus 3.97% for HSBC.
Is GDL or HSBC safer?
HSBC has the higher dividend-safety score (72/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GDL 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 GDL, its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.