HSBC vs KEY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 25, 2026, HSBC (HSBC Holdings plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. HSBC offers the higher yield at 4.14%, KEY has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price).
Key facts: HSBC vs KEY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 25, 2026, HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.14%, versus 3.89% for KeyCorp (KEY).
- As of Oct 25, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSBC's dividend safety B (72/100) and KEY's A (85/100).
- As of Oct 25, 2026, HSBC pays out 54% of its earnings as dividends and KEY pays out 48%.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, HSBC's fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price and KEY's fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price, so HSBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSBC vs KEY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 25, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hsbc-vs-key
| Metric | HSBC | KEY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.14% | 3.89% |
| Annual dividend | $3.75 | $0.82 |
| Payout ratio | 54% | 48% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -13.8% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 228% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $137.57 | $30.01 |
| Upside to fair value | +52% | +42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $310.1B | $22.5B |
| P/E ratio | 13.0 | 12.3 |
Higher yield
HSBC
4.14%
Safer dividend
KEY
Grade A
Faster growth
KEY
2.1%
Better value
HSBC
+52% upside
HSBC vs KEY — FAQ
Is HSBC or KEY a better dividend stock?
On the data, HSBC wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). HSBC offers the higher yield (4.14%), while KEY has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HSBC or KEY?
HSBC has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.14%, versus 3.89% for KEY.
Is HSBC or KEY safer?
KEY has the higher dividend-safety score (85/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSBC or KEY better value right now?
As of Oct 25, 2026, HSBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 52% above its share price (undervalued). For KEY, its fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.