MSTY
High risk
High confidence
ETF Comparison
MSTY vs PLTY: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF and YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Updated November 6, 2026
How these figures are calculated: methodology.
Best for
- MSTYInvestors who want to maximize current income — roughly 64.14%, generated by selling options premium.
- PLTYInvestors who are comfortable trading away most upside for a large, steady payout.
Price and total return
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Distribution Safety Score
An estimate of distribution reliability, not price or principal safety, a probability, or a guarantee. Score methodology.
PLTY
High risk
High confidence
Score snapshot as of . Method 1.11.
Side-by-side snapshot
| Metric |  MSTY | PLTY |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF | YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF |
| Issuer | YieldMax | YieldMax |
| Underlying index | Actively managed (no tracked index recorded) | Palantir (PLTR) |
| Last Close | $12.68 as of November 6, 2026 | $29.65 as of November 6, 2026 |
| Distribution rate | 64.14% | 39.34% |
| Trailing 12-month yield | 148.17% | 83.99% |
| 30-day SEC yield | 2.01% | 2.60% |
| Distribution Safety Score™ | 15 | 17 |
| Safety-Adjusted Yield | 9.62% | 6.69% |
| Expense ratio | 1.03% | 1.07% |
| AUM | $994M | $339M |
| Distribution frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Objective | Actively managed fund that seeks current income while maintaining indirect exposure to the share price of MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR), subject to a limit on potential investment gains. | Seeks current income and indirect exposure to the share price of Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), investing at least 80% of net assets in securities and financial instruments providing that exposure. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 02/21/2024 | 10/07/2024 |
| Beta | 2.5604 | 1.802 |
| Last dividend | $0.1564 payable 11/06/2026 | $0.2243 payable 11/06/2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | 11/05/2026 | 11/05/2026 |
Total returns
100% reinvested · ex-date convention. Period returns use this fixed assumption, independent of chart settings. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year.
MSTY has lagged PLTY over the trailing twelve months, posting a -44.83% total return against -15.21%. Measured from Oct 2024 — the start of shared available history — PLTY has compounded at 53.27% a year versus -18.29% for MSTY. PLTY has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 51.5% against 70.3% for MSTY. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
| Symbol | YTD cumulative | 1Y cumulative | Since Oct 2024 | Volatility | Sharpe | Sortino | Max drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSTY | -15.81% | -44.83% | -18.29% | 70.3% | -0.91 | -1.27 | -62.3% |
| PLTY | -9.17% | -15.21% | 53.27% | 51.5% | -0.40 | -0.59 | -38.0% |
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of November 5, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year. “Since Oct 2024” measures every fund from October 8, 2024 — the start of shared available history — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the past year. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the past year) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Distribution rate, SEC yield and return of capital
| Metric | MSTY | PLTY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward distribution rate | 64.14% | 39.34% |
| Trailing 12-month yield | 148.17% | 83.99% |
| 30-day SEC yield | 2.01% | 2.60% |
| Return of capital | 13.70% | 94.46% |
Total return (price change plus reinvested distributions) is the Total returns section above. Return of capital is the share of a recent distribution that was not income. A 30-day SEC yield can sit far from the headline distribution rate; both numbers are the fund's own published fields.
Total return against the stated underlying is on MSTY vs MSTR, PLTY vs PLTR.
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Bottom lineChoose MSTY if you want to maximize current income — roughly 64.14%, generated by selling options premium. Choose PLTY if you are comfortable trading away most upside for a large, steady payout. MSTY and PLTY both use option or derivative overlays. Their tradeoff is the underlying exposure, how each option strategy is implemented, and the yield each targets; either overlay can limit upside participation, so neither offers uncapped price exposure.
How the risk works
Read this before the income numbers below: the strategy mechanics on this page shape what those payouts can cost you.
- Capped upside and premium dependence. MSTY and PLTY generate income by selling options, which trades away part of a strong rally in exchange for premium. Distributions can include return of capital, and a payout the underlying assets cannot sustain shows up as NAV erosion over time — the big yield number is not free.
Learn the mechanics: Return of capital, explained · NAV erosion, explained
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
ETFs63
Total AUM$9.06B
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
YieldMax is known for specializing in options-based and income-focused ETFs that emphasize yield generation through covered call strategies and other income-producing methodologies. Notable offerings span popular underlying assets like major technology stocks and broad market indices, with a particular emphasis on providing enhanced income solutions for investors seeking regular cash flows through options strategies and other tactical approaches.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on MSTY and PLTY.
Quick verdict
MSTY (YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) and PLTY (YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both weekly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
MSTY offers the higher yield at 64.14% vs 39.34% for PLTY. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
MSTY is cheaper with an expense ratio of 1.03% compared to 1.07%.
They have different reference exposures: MSTY is linked to Strategy (MSTR) while PLTY is linked to Palantir (PLTR), which means their performance drivers differ.
MSTY is the larger fund by assets ($994M), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.
Who should choose each?
Choose MSTY
YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF
- Want to maximize current income — MSTY distributes roughly 64.14% from selling options premium, vs 39.34% for PLTY.
- Are comfortable with an options-income strategy — a large payout in exchange for capped upside.
- Want to keep costs low — a 1.03% expense ratio vs 1.07% for PLTY.
Choose PLTY
YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF
- Are comfortable with an options-income strategy — a large payout in exchange for capped upside.
- Prefer lower market sensitivity — a beta of 1.80 vs 2.56 for MSTY.
Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment at current distribution rates, MSTY would pay about $6,414.00 a year (about $123.35 per weekly distribution), while PLTY would pay about $3,934.00 a year (about $75.65 per weekly distribution). Both pay weekly distributions.
MSTY yield64.14%
PLTY yield39.34%
Annual cash diff on $10K$2,480.00
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, MSTY would cost approximately $1,030 in fees vs $1,070 for PLTY (simplified, not compounded). The $40.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
MSTY ER1.03%
PLTY ER1.07%
Strategy & risk
MSTY is actively managed around Strategy (MSTR) exposure with a covered call approach, while PLTY tracks Palantir (PLTR) with a covered call approach. Beta is 2.5604 for MSTY and 1.802 for PLTY, making PLTY the less sensitive to market moves of the two by this measure.
MSTY beta2.5604
PLTY beta1.802
Fund details
MSTY is managed by YieldMax (launched 02/21/2024) with $994M in assets. PLTY is managed by YieldMax (launched 10/07/2024) with $339M in assets.
MSTY AUM$994M
PLTY AUM$339M
Frequently asked questions
What is the current distribution rate for MSTY and PLTY?
MSTY currently distributes 64.14% and PLTY 39.34%, based on fund data updated November 2026. Distribution rate moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.
Is MSTY or PLTY better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MSTY currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between MSTY and PLTY?
MSTY (YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) is actively managed around Strategy (MSTR) exposure with a covered call approach, while PLTY (YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF) tracks Palantir (PLTR) with a covered call approach. They are issued by YieldMax and YieldMax respectively.
Can I hold both MSTY and PLTY?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Is MSTY or PLTY safer?
By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — they are effectively tied: PLTY scores 17, MSTY scores 15. Neither has a clear safety edge on that measure. PLTY has also been less sensitive to market moves (beta 1.80 vs 2.56 for MSTY). No score makes an investment risk-free — treat this as a screening signal, not a guarantee, and the leverage, options-income, or crypto caveats flagged on this page apply regardless of score.
Which has lower fees, MSTY or PLTY?
MSTY has an expense ratio of 1.03% while PLTY charges 1.07%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in MSTY vs PLTY generate?
At current distribution rates, $10,000 in MSTY would pay about $6,414.00 a year (about $123.35 per weekly distribution). $10,000 in PLTY would pay about $3,934.00 a year (about $75.65 per weekly distribution).
Which has performed better historically, MSTY or PLTY?
MSTY has lagged PLTY over the trailing twelve months, posting a -44.83% total return against -15.21%. Measured from Oct 2024 — the start of shared available history — PLTY has compounded at 53.27% a year versus -18.29% for MSTY. PLTY has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 51.5% against 70.3% for MSTY. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
More comparisons to explore
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Dividend dates and history
MSTY vs PLTY — at a glance
Generated October 31, 2026.
Figures quoted in this analysis are from its generation date and may lag the live snapshot table above, which always shows the latest data.
Both are YieldMax structures designed to trade the volatility premium of their underlying equity for regular payouts. The funds differ sharply in yield, underlying volatility, and asset base: MSTY targets a 64.14% distribution rate on the more volatile MSTR, while PLTY offers 39.34% on the more stable PLTR.
How they differ
The most obvious distinction is yield: MSTY pays out 64.14%, roughly 24.8 percentage points higher than PLTY's 39.34%. That gap reflects the underlying volatility profile—MSTR's beta of 2.5604 versus PLTR's 1.802 means the covered calls written on MicroStrategy collect substantially more premium per week. MSTY launched 02/21/2024 and has grown to $994M in assets; PLTY, which arrived later in 10/07/2024, holds $339M. Expense ratios are nearly identical at 1.03% and 1.07%, so the yield difference flows almost entirely from the underlyings' option markets, not fee structure.
Who each is best for
- MSTY: Fits investors comfortable with extreme equity volatility who prioritize maximum current income over price appreciation and accept that call caps will clip outsized MSTR rallies.
- PLTY: Designed for income-focused investors wanting weekly payouts from a more established software platform with lower leverage and more contained downside swings than MSTR.
Key risks to know
- NAV erosion at extreme distribution rates. A 64.14% annualized yield—64.14% per week—will erode capital if the underlying MSTR stock fails to appreciate and calls are consistently rolled at lower strikes. This risk is material for MSTY given the gap between the payout rate and typical equity returns.
- Call capping in strong rallies. Both funds sacrifice upside gains above their weekly strike levels. When MSTR or PLTR surge, shareholders capture only the predefined cap; the fund then rolls to a new strike, forgoing the move.
- Crypto correlation for MSTY. MicroStrategy's share price tracks Bitcoin holdings and sentiment closely. A sharp crypto drawdown pressures both the call premium available and the stock's intrinsic value, compressing MSTY's income and principal simultaneously.
- Volatility collapse risk. If MSTR or PLTR enter sustained low-volatility regimes, option premiums compress, forcing the funds to roll calls at lower strikes or reduce payouts. MSTY's outsized yield depends on elevated implied volatility; a normalization would curtail distributions sharply.
- Single-stock concentration. Both funds are entirely dependent on one firm. MSTY has no diversification beyond MicroStrategy; PLTY holds only Palantir derivatives or exposure contracts. Earnings misses, management turnover, or regulatory shifts in either company affect the entire fund.
Bottom line
If you prioritize maximum current income and can tolerate extreme stock-market volatility and call capping, MSTY's 64.14% yield reflects the premium available in MSTR's option market. If you seek steadier weekly income from a lower-volatility software name, PLTY's 39.34% payout comes with less downside risk but also less potential for outsized moves. Both are leveraged derivative strategies on single equities—suitable only for income-seeking investors with short time horizons and comfort with concentrated principal risk. Past performance does not predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.
Learn the method
The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.
These comparisons follow the Dividend Vision methodology.