Quick answer: MSTY (YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) pays distributions weekly. The ex-dividend date is typically Thursday, with payment the following business day (Friday). The most recent ex-dividend date was May 14, 2026 (pay date May 15). The next projected ex-dividend dates are approximately June 4, June 11, June 18, and June 25, 2026 — though YieldMax announces exact dates ~1 week in advance.
Last updated: June 4, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. ET
MSTY 2026 Weekly Ex-Dividend Schedule (Projected)
| Ex-Dividend Date (proj.) | Pay Date (proj.) | Distribution | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 (Thu) | May 15, 2026 (Fri) | ~$0.52 – $0.56 | Paid |
| May 21, 2026 (Thu) | May 22, 2026 (Fri) | ~$0.50 – $0.55 | Paid |
| May 28, 2026 (Thu) | May 29, 2026 (Fri) | TBD | Announced ~May 27 |
| ~June 4, 2026 (Thu) | ~June 5, 2026 (Fri) | TBD | Projected |
| ~June 11, 2026 (Thu) | ~June 12, 2026 (Fri) | TBD | Projected |
| ~June 18, 2026 (Thu) | ~June 19, 2026 (Fri) | TBD | Projected |
| ~June 25, 2026 (Thu) | ~June 26, 2026 (Fri) | TBD | Projected |
Projected dates follow the weekly Thursday pattern. YieldMax announces exact dates and amounts approximately 5–7 business days in advance at yieldmaxetfs.com/our-etfs/msty.
The Key Dates: Ex-Div vs. Record vs. Pay
Three dates matter for each MSTY distribution:
- Ex-Dividend Date: You must own MSTY before this date to receive the distribution. Under T+1 settlement, this means buying by market close on Wednesday to qualify for a Thursday ex-div.
- Record Date: Under T+1, the record date and ex-dividend date are the same day (or one day apart). Check the official announcement for precision.
- Pay Date: The distribution is deposited to eligible shareholder accounts. Typically the business day following the ex-dividend date.
📅 Corporate Events — Dividends, Splits & OPEX →
💰 Earnings Reports — Results & Guidance Context →
₿ Bitcoin & Ethereum — MSTR Correlation →
Why Distribution Amounts Change Week to Week
MSTY’s weekly distribution amount is not fixed. It reflects the option premium income collected by the fund that week from selling call spreads on MSTR (Strategy Inc.). Three variables drive the amount:
- MSTR implied volatility. Higher IV on MSTR → larger premiums available → larger distribution.
- Bitcoin price direction. Since MSTR holds ~500,000+ BTC on its balance sheet, BTC moves directly affect MSTR’s volatility and option pricing.
- Fund NAV. The distribution is calculated per share, and NAV has trended downward over the fund’s history due to capped upside and return-of-capital payouts.
📊 Why Stocks Move — High-Vol Stock Patterns →
⚙️ Crypto Derivatives — Leverage & Options Context →
🌐 Volatility & Sentiment — VIX & Risk Signals →
FAQ
When is the next MSTY ex-dividend date?
Approximately every Thursday. The most recent confirmed ex-dividend date was May 14, 2026. The next is projected for approximately May 28 or June 4, 2026. Confirm at yieldmaxetfs.com/our-etfs/msty/ — exact dates are announced 5–7 days in advance.
Do I need to own MSTY before Thursday to get the distribution?
Yes. Under T+1 equity settlement, you need to own MSTY by market close on Wednesday (the day before the ex-dividend date) to be a holder of record on Thursday.
Why does MSTY’s NAV keep falling despite weekly distributions?
The strategy caps upside (call spreads limit gains when MSTR rises) while participating fully in MSTR downside. Some distributions also include return-of-capital, which mechanically reduces NAV. High distributions on a falling NAV is the defining tension of YieldMax-style funds.
Sources
- YieldMax ETFs — MSTY Fund Page: yieldmaxetfs.com/our-etfs/msty
- Stock Events — MSTY Distribution Calendar: stockevents.app
- SEC EDGAR — MSTY prospectus and N-PORT: sec.gov/edgar
Not financial advice. Written by Aybars Y. · EskiSignal Editorial · June 4, 2026
