BAC vs CSQ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. CSQ offers the higher yield at 8.05%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs CSQ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (CSQ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.05%, versus 2.52% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and CSQ's A (87/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and CSQ for 1.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and CSQ pays out 20%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and CSQ's fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs CSQ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-csq
| Metric | BAC | CSQ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.52% | 8.05% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $1.62 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 20% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 2.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 12% | 4% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $23.83 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $354.0B | $3.2B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 3.1 |
Higher yield
CSQ
8.05%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
BAC
+24% upside
BAC vs CSQ — FAQ
Is BAC or CSQ a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). CSQ offers the higher yield (8.05%), while BAC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAC or CSQ?
CSQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.05%, versus 2.52% for BAC.
Is BAC or CSQ safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or CSQ better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price (undervalued). For CSQ, its fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.