YMAX vs JEPQ
YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs against JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF. Headline yields tell you almost nothing here — below is what each fund actually distributed, what happened to the share price, and the total return that combination produced.
Over the last 12 months JEPQ delivered a total return of +18.8% versus -1.3% for YMAX — that is price change plus every distribution actually paid. YMAX advertises a higher headline yield, but headline yield is not what landed in your account.
Prices and 1-year performance as of Sep 2, 2026; distributions through Sep 2, 2026.
- Distributions received (12mo)
- +39.9%
- Share price change
- -41.2%
- Total return
- -1.3%
$5.07 paid per share across 53 distributions.
- Distributions received (12mo)
- +11.1%
- Share price change
- +7.7%
- Total return
- +18.8%
$6.08 paid per share across 11 distributions.
Side by side
| Metric | YMAX | JEPQ |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year total return | -1.3% | +18.8%win |
| Headline distribution yield | 67.93%higher | 10.82% |
| Paid per share (12mo) | $5.07 | $6.08higher |
| Share price change (1y) | -41.2% | +7.7%better |
| Payout trend (last 3 vs prior 3) | +1.1% | +14.9%better |
| Expense ratio | 1.33% | 0.35%cheaper |
| Distribution frequency | Weekly | Monthly |
| Payouts in last 12mo | 53 | 11 |
| Fund size | $425M | $39.9Bbigger |
| Share price | $7.46 | $59.15 |
| Next ex-distribution | Sep 09, 2026 | Sep 03, 2026 |
| Last distribution | $0.06 · Sep 2, 2026 | $0.70 · Aug 3, 2026 |
| Fund family | YieldMax | JPMorgan |
Distribution history
Last 12 declared payouts per share. Shrinking bars mean the option premium isn't holding up.
- •You want maximum cash flow (67.93% headline) and accept that the share price will likely grind lower.
- •You are comfortable with a negative 12-month total return (-1.3%) in exchange for the income stream.
- •You accept a 1.33% annual fee for the single-stock options strategy.
- •Weekly distributions fit how you draw income.
- •Fund size of $425M matters to you for liquidity.
- •You want a more moderate 10.82% option-income stream without giving up most of the underlying growth.
- •Its last 12 months were net positive (+18.8%) after distributions.
- •You prefer a lower 0.35% annual fee.
- •Monthly distributions fit how you draw income.
- •Fund size of $39.9B matters to you for liquidity.
Other comparisons
Next step
Frequently asked
Is YMAX or JEPQ the better investment?
Measured on 12-month total return — share-price change plus every distribution paid — JEPQ came out ahead: +18.8% versus -1.3%. Past total return is not a forecast, but it is a far better guide than headline yield.
What is the yield of YMAX vs JEPQ?
YMAX currently shows a distribution yield of 67.93% and JEPQ shows 10.82%. Over the trailing 12 months YMAX actually paid $5.07 per share and JEPQ paid $6.08 per share.
Does YMAX lose value over time?
YMAX's share price changed -41.2% over the last 12 months. That decline means part of the distribution was funded from capital rather than option premium.
Which fund charges more, YMAX or JEPQ?
YMAX charges 1.33% a year and JEPQ charges 0.35%. Fees come straight out of the option premium that funds your distribution.
How often do YMAX and JEPQ pay?
YMAX pays weekly (53 distributions in the last 12 months) and JEPQ pays monthly (11 distributions). Paying more often does not increase total return — it just splits the same amount into smaller cheques.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Investing in stocks involves high risk, including the loss of principal. We are not responsible for any financial losses or damages resulting from your reliance on this data. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.
Trademark Notice: Twylight Crow's Dividend Tracker (formerly indexed as DiviDrip) is an independent portfolio utility. This tool is not affiliated with, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to Dividrip.com or its international affiliates.