HSBC vs ISTR: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC and ISTR are closely matched. HSBC offers the higher yield at 3.97%, ISTR 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: HSBC vs ISTR
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 1.67% for Investar Holding Corporation (ISTR).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSBC's dividend safety B (72/100) and ISTR's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and ISTR for 11.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC pays out 54% of its earnings as dividends and ISTR pays out 19%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC's fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price and ISTR's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price, so HSBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSBC vs ISTR: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hsbc-vs-istr
| Metric | HSBC | ISTR |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.97% | 1.67% |
| Annual dividend | $3.75 | $0.48 |
| Payout ratio | 54% | 19% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 11 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -13.8% | 11.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 242% | 61% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $135.99 | $36.37 |
| Upside to fair value | +44% | +26% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $323.4B | $397.1M |
| P/E ratio | 13.5 | 11.9 |
Higher yield
HSBC
3.97%
Safer dividend
ISTR
Grade A
Faster growth
ISTR
11.7%
Better value
HSBC
+44% upside
HSBC vs ISTR — FAQ
Is HSBC or ISTR a better dividend stock?
HSBC and ISTR are closely matched. HSBC has the higher yield; ISTR scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HSBC or ISTR?
HSBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.97%, versus 1.67% for ISTR.
Is HSBC or ISTR safer?
ISTR has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSBC or ISTR 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 ISTR, its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.