Bitwise distributions set March 2026 payouts for six option income ETFs

Investors in Bitwise’s option income funds received new clarity on bitwise distributions as the firm detailed March 2026 payouts and key yield metrics for its ETF lineup.

Bitwise confirms March 2026 distributions for option income ETFs

Bitwise Asset Management, a leading crypto asset manager based in San Francisco, announced updated monthly payouts on March 26, 2026 for six Option Income Strategy ETFs: IMST, ICOI, IMRA, IGME, ICRC, and IETH. Each fund targets income by writing options on specific underlying equities or crypto-related assets.

The new distributions will be paid following the 03/27/2026 record date, with a stated payable date of 03/31/3026. Moreover, Bitwise paired the cash amounts with detailed distribution rates, return of capital data, and fund performance metrics.

Detailed March 2026 distribution figures for each Bitwise ETF

The Bitwise COIN Option Income Strategy ETF (ICOI) declared a distribution of $0.51618 per share. The stated annualized Distribution Rate is 50.68%, with a composition showing 0.00% income and 100.00% return of capital for this payout window. The table also shows a performance indicator of 4.28% and a total return figure of -27.64%.

The Bitwise MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (IMRA) announced a per-share distribution of $0.24994 with a 22.66% Distribution Rate. That said, this payout is also listed as 0.00% income and 100.00% return of capital. The accompanying performance reference for IMRA is -1.52%, while the longer-term return stands at -42.91%.

For the Bitwise MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (IMST), Bitwise set a distribution of $0.49519 per share and a 51.01% Distribution Rate. However, the composition again shows 0.00% income and 100.00% return of capital for this period. The listed performance metric is 10.52%, with a total return measure of -47.71%.

The Bitwise GME Option Income Strategy ETF (IGME) declared a relatively higher cash payout of $0.85361 per share. Its annualized Distribution Rate is 40.29%. Moreover, the composition splits between 0.00% income and 57.40% return of capital, with the remaining portion implied as other tax character. IGME shows a performance data point of 2.04% and a total return of -11.58%.

The Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF (ICRC) posted a distribution of $0.72755 per share and a 30.86% Distribution Rate. As with most peers, the breakdown lists 0.00% income and 100.00% return of capital. The reported performance reference is a robust 25.65%, while the indicated total return is -25.20%.

Finally, the Bitwise Ethereum Option Income Strategy ETF (IETH) declared a per-share payout of $0.40443. The fund’s Distribution Rate is 22.28%, with 0.00% income and 100.00% return of capital cited for this period. That said, IETH’s performance marker is listed as 20.24%, alongside a total return of -44.28%.

How Distribution Rate and return of capital work for option income funds

Bitwise emphasized that the Distribution Rate figures are snapshots calculated as of 4 p.m. ET on March 26, 2026. The firm stressed that this rate represents the annualized amount an investor would receive if the most recent payout, including option income, stayed constant going forward.

According to Bitwise, the Distribution Rate is computed by multiplying an ETF’s latest Distribution per Share by twelve (12), then dividing that result by the fund’s most recent NAV. However, the company underlined that this rate reflects a single declared distribution and does not equal the ETF’s total return.

Each ETF’s payout can include a mix of ordinary dividends, capital gains, and return of investor capital. A high return of capital percentage may mean that part of the distribution simply returns the investor’s original money. Over time, this can reduce a fund’s NAV and secondary market trading price, which may lead to significant investment losses if market conditions worsen.

Future distributions may vary significantly from the current figures and are not guaranteed. Moreover, investors are urged to evaluate the sustainability of these payouts in the context of each fund’s strategy, the underlying assets, and overall risk tolerance.

Understanding yield metrics and expense ratios on Bitwise option income ETFs

Alongside bitwise distributions, the firm also highlighted the role of the 30 day sec yield in evaluating income strategies. This standardized figure reflects the dividends and interest earned during the previous month after deducting each fund’s expenses.

Bitwise described this yield as a “standardized” measure that annualizes the prior month’s income to estimate what an investor might earn over a 12-month period if the fund continues to earn at the same rate. However, the standardized yield can differ meaningfully from the headline Distribution Rate, especially when option premiums and return of capital play a large role.

The net expense ratio for each Option Income Fund stands at 0.98%, except for IETH, which carries a slightly lower net expense ratio of 0.97%. Moreover, Bitwise disclosed that the gross expense ratio for ICOI and IMST is 0.99%, with a fee waiver in place through April 2, 2027. This waiver effectively reduces ongoing costs for shareholders over that period.

For investors tracking bitwise option income strategies and monthly distributions bitwise etf data, these expense ratios form a core input into net yield calculations. That said, trading costs, taxes, and market volatility can still materially affect realized results compared with the stated metrics.

Outlook for Bitwise’s option income distribution program

Bitwise stated that the latest bitwise distributions should be viewed as part of a dynamic income program tied closely to option-writing results and market conditions. Because option premiums and underlying asset prices can fluctuate sharply, future payouts for each ETF may diverge substantially from current levels.

In summary, the March 2026 announcement provides investors with precise distribution figures, yield context, and expense data across IMST, ICOI, IMRA, IGME, ICRC, and IETH. However, investors should treat the published numbers as historical indicators rather than guarantees of future performance.