CSQ vs HSBC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ (Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CSQ offers the higher yield at 8.28%, CSQ has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 75% above its share price).
Key facts: CSQ vs HSBC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (CSQ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.28%, versus 4.39% for HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CSQ's dividend safety A (87/100) and HSBC's B (68/100).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ pays out 20% of its earnings as dividends and HSBC pays out 54%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ's fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price and HSBC's fair-value estimate is 75% above its share price, so HSBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CSQ vs HSBC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/csq-vs-hsbc
| Metric | CSQ | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.28% | 4.39% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $3.75 |
| Payout ratio | 20% | 54% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.4% | -13.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 4% | 209% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $23.83 | $149.54 |
| Upside to fair value | +22% | +75% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.1B | $292.1B |
| P/E ratio | 3.0 | 11.2 |
Higher yield
CSQ
8.28%
Safer dividend
CSQ
Grade A
Faster growth
CSQ
2.4%
Better value
HSBC
+75% upside
CSQ vs HSBC — FAQ
Is CSQ or HSBC a better dividend stock?
On the data, CSQ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CSQ offers the higher yield (8.28%), while CSQ has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CSQ or HSBC?
CSQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.28%, versus 4.39% for HSBC.
Is CSQ or HSBC safer?
CSQ has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CSQ or HSBC better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, HSBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 75% above its share price (undervalued). For CSQ, its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.