HSBC vs PAI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC (HSBC Holdings plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. PAI offers the higher yield at 5.54%, 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: HSBC vs PAI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Western Asset Investment Grade Income Fund Inc. (PAI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.54%, versus 3.97% for HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSBC's dividend safety B (72/100) and PAI's B (66/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and PAI for 3.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC pays out 54% of its earnings as dividends and PAI pays out 69%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSBC's fair-value estimate is 44% above its share price and PAI's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price, so HSBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSBC vs PAI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hsbc-vs-pai
| Metric | HSBC | PAI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.97% | 5.54% |
| Annual dividend | $3.75 | $0.63 |
| Payout ratio | 54% | 69% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -13.8% | 0.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 242% | -31% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $135.99 | $10.04 |
| Upside to fair value | +44% | -12% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $323.4B | $108.2M |
| P/E ratio | 13.5 | 12.5 |
Higher yield
PAI
5.54%
Safer dividend
HSBC
Grade B
Faster growth
PAI
0.8%
Better value
HSBC
+44% upside
HSBC vs PAI — FAQ
Is HSBC or PAI a better dividend stock?
On the data, HSBC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). PAI offers the higher yield (5.54%), 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, HSBC or PAI?
PAI has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.54%, versus 3.97% for HSBC.
Is HSBC or PAI safer?
HSBC has the higher dividend-safety score (72/100 vs 66/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSBC or PAI 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 PAI, its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.