A head-to-head comparison of Marathon Digital Holdings Inc. and YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
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YieldMax specializes in options-based and income-focused ETFs, leveraging covered call and short option strategies to generate high distribution yields for investors seeking regular income. The firm operates a diverse lineup of 61 ETFs organized across nine fund families, including prominent strategies like 0DTE (zero days-to-expiration) options, covered calls, and target distribution approaches, alongside more traditional performance and portfolio-based offerings. YieldMax's holdings span major technology and financial names—including tickers like AMZY, APLY, BRKC, and FBY—and the firm targets both individual investors and those seeking enhanced yield through systematic options strategies.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on MARO.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
MARA (Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.) and MARO (YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
MARO currently shows a 104.79% distribution yield. MARA has not yet established a full distribution history, so a comparable yield figure is not available.
MARA is cheaper with an expense ratio of compared to 1.00%.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, MARA has no reported distribution yield yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available, while MARO would produce $873.25/month, at current distribution rates.
MARA yield—
MARO yield104.79%
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, MARA would cost approximately $0 in fees vs $1,000 for MARO (simplified, not compounded). The $1,000.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
MARA ER—
MARO ER1.00%
Strategy & risk
MARA tracks — with an income approach, while MARO tracks Marathon Digital (MARA) using a covered call strategy.
Fund details
MARA is managed by — (launched —) with — in assets. MARO is managed by YieldMax (launched 07/18/2023) with $66M in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Which of MARA or MARO pays more dividend income?
MARO currently reports a distribution yield, while MARA has not yet established a full distribution history. A direct income comparison is not yet meaningful — check back once both funds have published several consecutive distributions.
What is the difference between MARA and MARO?
MARA (Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.) tracks — with an income strategy, while MARO (YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF) tracks Marathon Digital (MARA) with a covered call approach. They are issued by — and YieldMax respectively.
Can I hold both MARA and MARO?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, MARA or MARO?
MARA has an expense ratio of — while MARO charges 1.00%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in MARA vs MARO generate?
At current rates, MARA has not established a distribution history yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available. The same in MARO would produce about $873.25 per month ($10,479.00 annually).
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