CSQ vs MA
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund compared with Mastercard Incorporated on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
CSQ
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund
TTM yield · Monthly
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- CSQ yields more today: 6.77% vs 0.61% (forward).
- MA has grown its payout faster: 14.4%/yr vs 3.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
- CSQ pays every month; MA pays every quarter.
- MA has the longer streak of annual increases: 14 years vs 1.
- Over the last year CSQ delivered the higher total return: +20.3% vs -3.5% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | CSQ | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $20.98 | $570.89 |
| TTM yield | 6.77% | 0.59% |
| Forward yield | 6.77% | 0.61% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.42 | $3.48 |
| Payment frequency | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 14, 2026 (declared) | Oct 8, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 20% | 18% |
| 1-year payout growth | +14.9% | +14.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +3.7% | +14.4% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 14 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 90/100 | 87/100 |
| 1-year total return | +20.3% | -3.5% |
| 1-year price return | +12.7% | -4.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 3.4B | 500.1B |
| Years paying | 22.3 | 19.9 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Financial Services | Financial Services |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| CSQ | MA | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 476.6 | 17.5 |
| Income per year | $677 | $61 |
| Income per month (avg) | $56 | $5 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSQ Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 21, 2026 | $0.1183 | Declared |
| CSQ Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 21, 2026 | $0.1183 | Est. |
| CSQ Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | $0.1183 | Est. |
| MA Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | $0.87 | Est. |
| MA Jan 7, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $0.87 | Est. |
| MA Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $0.87 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
CSQMA
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, CSQ or MA?
CSQ currently has the higher trailing yield: CSQ yields 6.77% and MA yields 0.59%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do CSQ and MA pay?
CSQ pays every month and MA pays every quarter. CSQ's next ex-date is Sep 14, 2026 and MA's is Oct 8, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, CSQ or MA?
MA has grown its payout faster: 14.4%/yr vs 3.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is CSQ or MA better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. CSQ and MA differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.