CSQ vs MS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ and MS are closely matched. CSQ offers the higher yield at 8.28%, CSQ has the higher dividend-safety score, and CSQ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price).
Key facts: CSQ vs MS
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 2.50% for Morgan Stanley (MS).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CSQ's dividend safety A (87/100) and MS's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MS for 12.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ pays out 20% of its earnings as dividends and MS pays out 32%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ's fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price and MS's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so CSQ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CSQ vs MS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/csq-vs-ms
| Metric | CSQ | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 8.28% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $4.60 |
| Payout ratio | 20% | 32% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.4% | 22.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 4% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $23.83 | $160.88 |
| Upside to fair value | +22% | -13% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.1B | $288.4B |
| P/E ratio | 3.0 | 15.1 |
Higher yield
CSQ
8.28%
Safer dividend
CSQ
Grade A
Faster growth
MS
22.4%
Better value
CSQ
+22% upside
CSQ vs MS — FAQ
Is CSQ or MS a better dividend stock?
CSQ and MS are closely matched. CSQ has the higher yield; CSQ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CSQ or MS?
CSQ has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.28%, versus 2.50% for MS.
Is CSQ or MS safer?
CSQ has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CSQ or MS better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, CSQ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price (undervalued). For MS, its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.