CSQ

Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund

Fundamental data last updated:September 25, 2026

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company profile

SECTOR

Financial Services

industry

Asset Management

Exchange

NASDAQ

County of HQ

US

Next Earnings Date

Not Scheduled

Business Summary

Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund is a closed ended balanced mutual fund launched by Calamos Investments LLC. The fund is managed by Calamos Advisors LLC. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors. It primarily invests in common and preferred stocks of companies across all market capitalizations, convertible securities, and high yield corporate bonds with an average credit rating of BB as rated by S&P. The fund employs both fundamental and quantitative analysis with a combination of bottom-up and top-down security picking approaches to create its portfolio. Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund was formed on December 31, 2003 and is domiciled in the United States.

 


VALUATION

P/E

4.57

Market Cap ($M USD)

$3.30B

Forward P/E

N/A

PEG

N/A

PRICE TO SALES

9.50

PRICE TO BOOK

0.99

EV / EBITDA

5.77

5-Year Average P/E

Free Cash Flow Yield

-0.37%

DCF Value

$6.37

Graham Number

$45.92

Price to FCF

-267.18

EV to FCF

-367.20

Earnings Yield

21.88%

FCF Yield

-0.37%

DIVIDEND

Yield

6.47%

Annual Payout

$1.33

Payout Ratio

27.33%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

$4.50

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

N/A

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

N/A

Return on Equity (ROE)

24.17%

FREE CASH FLOW

Operating Margin

226.30%

Debt-to-Equity

0.41

Piotroski F-Score

3

Altman Z-Score

3.15

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

16.51%

Current Ratio

0.00

Quick Ratio

0.00

Net Debt to EBITDA

1.57

Interest Coverage

24.36

Gross Profit margin

72.56%

FCF PER SHARE

$-0.08

REVENUE PER SHARE

$2.16

Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

CSQ Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund is trading at a significant premium relative to its DCF value, suggesting a potential overvaluation. The Price/Book ratio is just under 1, indicating the market may not fully appreciate its asset value. With an impressive Earnings Yield of 22.17% and a robust Altman Z-score of 3.11, the company appears financially stable, yet the absence of a Forward P/E raises questions about future growth visibility. The market seems to be pricing in high expectations, but the fundamentals suggest caution.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

Operating within the Asset Management industry, CSQ is well-positioned to leverage AI for enhanced data analytics and investment strategies. However, the traditional nature of asset management may slow tech adoption compared to more agile sectors. The company's resilience will depend on its ability to integrate AI into its decision-making processes effectively.

The Bull Case

For value investors, CSQ offers compelling reasons to buy. The Return on Invested Capital stands at a strong 16.51%, showcasing efficient capital use. Despite a negative FCF Yield, the operating margin of 226.30% highlights significant pricing power. The Piotroski F-Score of 3 suggests moderate financial health, but the high dividend yield of 6.45% provides an attractive income stream, indicating potential for long-term value creation.

The Bear Case

CSQ faces structural risks that cannot be ignored. The stock is trading near its 52-week high, suggesting technical overextension. A negative Free Cash Flow Yield and an alarming Price to FCF ratio of -263.67 indicate severe cash flow issues. The Piotroski F-Score of 3 further underscores potential weaknesses in operational efficiency and financial stability, making it a risky bet for cautious investors.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

Analyst Consensus

Hold

Average Analyst Price Target

N/A

Institutional Ownership %

1-Year Beta

1.31

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

Distance to 52-Week High

0.49%

Distance to 52-Week Low

20.22%

EARNINGS SURPRISE %

N/A

50-DAY SMA

$19.01

200-DAY SMA

$18.99

⚠️ Financial Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Information may be delayed or inaccurate. We may earn a commission from partner links.