HSBC vs PCQ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, PCQ (PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. PCQ offers the higher yield at 5.45%, HSBC has the higher dividend-safety score, and PCQ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 56% above its share price).
Key facts: HSBC vs PCQ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (PCQ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.45%, versus 4.08% for HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSBC's dividend safety B (72/100) and PCQ's B (66/100).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, HSBC pays out 54% of its earnings as dividends and PCQ pays out 39%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, HSBC's fair-value estimate is 48% above its share price and PCQ's fair-value estimate is 56% above its share price, so PCQ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSBC vs PCQ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hsbc-vs-pcq
| Metric | HSBC | PCQ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.08% | 5.45% |
| Annual dividend | $3.75 | $0.43 |
| Payout ratio | 54% | 39% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -13.8% | -9.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 242% | -58% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 66 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $135.99 | $12.34 |
| Upside to fair value | +48% | +56% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $314.3B | $150.3M |
| P/E ratio | 13.1 | 7.2 |
Higher yield
PCQ
5.45%
Safer dividend
HSBC
Grade B
Faster growth
PCQ
-9.9%
Better value
PCQ
+56% upside
HSBC vs PCQ — FAQ
Is HSBC or PCQ a better dividend stock?
On the data, PCQ wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). PCQ offers the higher yield (5.45%), 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 PCQ?
PCQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.45%, versus 4.08% for HSBC.
Is HSBC or PCQ safer?
HSBC has the higher dividend-safety score (72/100 vs 66/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSBC or PCQ better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, PCQ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 56% above its share price (undervalued). For HSBC, its fair-value estimate is 48% above its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.