CSQ vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CSQ offers the higher yield at 8.05%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and CSQ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price).
Key facts: CSQ vs MA
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 0.57% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CSQ's dividend safety A (87/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CSQ has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CSQ pays out 20% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CSQ's fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so CSQ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CSQ vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/csq-vs-ma
| Metric | CSQ | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.05% | 0.57% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 20% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.4% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 4% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $23.83 | $483.05 |
| Upside to fair value | +19% | -24% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.2B | $556.9B |
| P/E ratio | 3.1 | 35.0 |
Higher yield
CSQ
8.05%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
CSQ
+19% upside
CSQ vs MA — FAQ
Is CSQ or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CSQ offers the higher yield (8.05%), while MA 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 MA?
CSQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.05%, versus 0.57% for MA.
Is CSQ or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CSQ or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CSQ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 19% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.