SmarterDividends

HWC vs V: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 30, 2026, V (Visa Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HWC offers the higher yield at 2.78%, HWC has the higher dividend-safety score, and HWC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).

Key facts: HWC vs V

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 30, 2026, Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.78%, versus 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HWC's dividend safety A (98/100) and V's A (93/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, HWC has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and V for 17.
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, HWC pays out 37% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, HWC's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so HWC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "HWC vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hwc-vs-v

MetricHWCV
Forward yield2.78%0.67%
Annual dividend$2.00$2.68
Payout ratio37%22%
Years of growth3 yr17 yr
5-yr dividend growth10.8%14.9%
5-yr total return51%113%
Dividend safety score98 (A)93 (A)
Fair value estimate$84.34$306.97
Upside to fair value+16%-25%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$5.8B$767.3B
P/E ratio14.633.3

Higher yield

HWC

2.78%

Safer dividend

HWC

Grade A

Faster growth

V

14.9%

Better value

HWC

+16% upside

HWC vs V — FAQ

Is HWC or V a better dividend stock?

On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HWC offers the higher yield (2.78%), while HWC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, HWC or V?

HWC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.78%, versus 0.67% for V.

Is HWC or V safer?

HWC has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 93/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is HWC or V better value right now?

As of Oct 30, 2026, HWC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). For V, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.