Advertisement
CLSK vs MARA
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CleanSpark (CLSK) vs. MARA Holdings (MARA) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CleanSpark (CLSK) has secured a large, contracted AI data center lease, while MARA Holdings (MARA) is still awaiting its first signed AI lease.
- Both companies are Bitcoin miners pivoting toward AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, but they are at different stages of that transition.
- CLSK has pulled back less over the trailing year than MARA, though both remain highly volatile, high-beta names tied to Bitcoin's price.
- CLSK's Sandersville, Georgia project carries roughly $6.6 billion in contracted revenue, whereas MARA's outlook hinges on closing the Long Ridge acquisition and future leases.
- Balance-sheet leverage and Bitcoin-treasury strategy represent meaningfully different risk profiles between the two stocks.
Introduction
Bitcoin miners have become a focal point for investors evaluating the convergence of digital assets and artificial intelligence infrastructure. CLSK and MARA are two of the most actively traded names in this group, and both are repositioning from pure cryptocurrency mining toward energy- and data-center-driven business models. This stock comparison examines their recent relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning to help traders and long-term investors weigh the trade-offs. Given the sharp swings both names have experienced, understanding the differences in execution, capital structure, and catalysts is essential for anyone building a view on the sector.
CLSK Overview and Recent Performance
CLSK is the ticker for CleanSpark, Inc., a U.S.-based Bitcoin miner and emerging data center developer. The company has historically distinguished itself through owned, energy-efficient mining sites, and it recently advanced a major strategic pivot toward AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.
The centerpiece of this shift is a 20-year, triple-net lease at its Sandersville, Georgia campus with a subsidiary of a large technology company. The agreement is expected to generate approximately $6.6 billion in contracted revenue over its initial term, a move that meaningfully changes the company's long-term revenue mix. To fund the buildout, CleanSpark closed roughly $2.276 billion in senior secured notes carrying a 7.875% coupon and maturing in 2031.
In recent weeks, sentiment has been shaped by both the promise of this contract and the near-term pressure on the mining business. CleanSpark reported an operating hashrate (the measure of computing power dedicated to mining) of about 50 exahashes per second (EH/s) and held roughly 13,530 Bitcoin on its balance sheet. The company also announced it would discontinue monthly operational updates in favor of standard quarterly reporting, reflecting its evolving identity as an energy and data center operator. The shares have traded well below their 52-week highs and remain highly volatile, with a beta materially above the broader market.
MARA Overview and Recent Performance
MARA is the ticker for MARA Holdings, Inc. (formerly Marathon Digital Holdings), one of the largest publicly traded Bitcoin miners by market capitalization and hashrate. MARA has also signaled an ambition to become a digital infrastructure company, co-locating AI and HPC capacity alongside its existing mining operations.
MARA's recent financial results have been pressured by lower Bitcoin prices. Revenue declined roughly 27% year over year in its most recent quarterly report, and the company posted a substantial net loss that included a large non-cash mark-to-market charge on its digital asset holdings. MARA has continued to scale its mining fleet, with energized hashrate above 72 EH/s, while managing a treasury of roughly 35,577 Bitcoin, a portion of which has been sold or pledged as collateral.
The company's growth story now centers on its pending acquisition of Long Ridge Energy & Power, a gas-fired power plant and data center campus, and a partnership with Starwood Capital to develop AI infrastructure. MARA has guided toward a power portfolio of up to 4.8 gigawatts (GW) once pending transactions close. However, these initiatives remain subject to regulatory approval and have not yet produced a signed AI lease, a factor that has weighed on sentiment in recent market activity.
Trending AI Robots
Traders seeking a data-driven edge can explore Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page, a curated selection of algorithmic trading systems. While Tickeron maintains hundreds of AI trading bots covering thousands of tickers, only the best-performing and most suitable strategies for current market conditions earn a place in this section. The curated list includes dozens of robots with varied trading styles, timeframes, win rates, profit factors, and target ticker sets, with published realized-return figures spanning a wide range and select agents reporting win rates above 70%. Because each robot applies different strategies and risk parameters, reviewing their historical closed-trade statistics can help traders identify approaches aligned with their own objectives. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to evaluate which strategies currently fit your trading approach.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between CLSK and MARA is the maturity of their AI-infrastructure strategies. CleanSpark already has a signed, investment-grade lease with contracted revenue, giving it a more defined path toward recurring cash flow. MARA, by contrast, is still working toward its first lease and depends on closing the Long Ridge acquisition, which requires regulatory approval.
Both stocks carry elevated short interest and leverage, but the composition differs. CleanSpark financed its data center buildout through secured notes, while MARA has leaned on Bitcoin-backed borrowing and is expected to absorb additional debt with Long Ridge. This means MARA's balance sheet is more directly exposed to swings in Bitcoin's price through collateral and mark-to-market effects.
On momentum and relative performance, both names have declined significantly from their 52-week highs, with MARA experiencing a deeper trailing drawdown. Both remain high-beta, high-volatility instruments whose mining revenues track Bitcoin, network difficulty, and energy costs. Investors focused on contracted cash flows may favor CleanSpark's positioning, while those seeking leveraged exposure to Bitcoin with an optionality on AI infrastructure may weigh MARA's lower valuation and larger treasury.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, the presence of signed contracted revenue, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI framework would likely view CLSK as holding a comparatively more favorable risk-reward profile in the current environment. The existence of a definitive lease with contracted revenue provides a stability anchor that MARA has not yet demonstrated. However, the verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: MARA's larger Bitcoin treasury, higher hashrate, and potential catalyst pipeline around Long Ridge could support outsized moves if those initiatives materialize. Traders should monitor execution milestones, financing developments, and Bitcoin's trajectory when assessing which name aligns with their own market view.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CLSK is a Hold and MARA is a Hold.
CLSK in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026
CLSK moved below its 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 32 of 34 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CLSK as a result. In 73 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 88%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CLSK turned negative on September 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 81%.
The 10-day moving average for CLSK crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
The 50-day moving average for CLSK moved below the 200-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CLSK declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 88%.
The Aroon Indicator for CLSK entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 9 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 15 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +4.63% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CLSK advanced for three days, in 233 of 265 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
CLSK may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 43 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.952) is normal, around the industry mean (3.638). P/E Ratio (-2.315) is within average values for comparable stocks, (8.944). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (7.191) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.397) is also within normal values, averaging (16.763).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 90 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. CLSK’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 98 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CLSK’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock worse than average.
MARA in downward trend: 10-day moving average broke below 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026
The 10-day moving average for MARA crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on MARA as a result. In 79 of 88 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for MARA turned negative on September 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 89%.
MARA moved below its 50-day moving average on October 01, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for MARA moved below the 200-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MARA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 89%.
The Aroon Indicator for MARA entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 9 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 14 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +5.63% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MARA advanced for three days, in 235 of 267 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
MARA may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. MARA’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 96 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.812) is normal, around the industry mean (3.638). P/E Ratio (-0.830) is within average values for comparable stocks, (8.944). MARA's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.140) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (7.191) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.097) is also within normal values, averaging (16.763).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 99 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. MARA’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock worse than average.
CLSK | MARA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 53 | 52 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 65 Fair valued | 96 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 98 | 99 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 90 | 91 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 97 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 43 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CLSK's Valuation (65) in the null industry is in the same range as MARA (96) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that CLSK’s stock grew similarly to MARA’s over the last 12 months.
CLSK's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the null industry is in the same range as MARA (100) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that CLSK’s stock grew similarly to MARA’s over the last 12 months.
CLSK's SMR Rating (98) in the null industry is in the same range as MARA (99) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that CLSK’s stock grew similarly to MARA’s over the last 12 months.
CLSK's Price Growth Rating (90) in the null industry is in the same range as MARA (91) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that CLSK’s stock grew similarly to MARA’s over the last 12 months.
CLSK's P/E Growth Rating (97) in the null industry is in the same range as MARA (97) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that CLSK’s stock grew similarly to MARA’s over the last 12 months.
| CLSK | MARA | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 85% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 88% | 2 days ago 90% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 89% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 89% | 2 days ago 88% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 89% | 2 days ago 89% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | about 1 month ago 88% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 88% | 4 days ago 89% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CLSK’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while MARA’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- CLSK’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- MARA’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CLSK’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MARA’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CLSK’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 7 bearish.
- MARA’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 7 bearish.
Price Growth
CLSK (@Investment Banks/Brokers) experienced а -5.15% price change this week, while MARA (@Investment Banks/Brokers) price change was -5.35% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Banks/Brokers industry was -4.83%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -16.43%, and the average quarterly price growth was -12.27%.
Reported Earning Dates
CLSK is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
MARA is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Banks/Brokers (-4.83% weekly)These banks specialize in underwriting (helping companies with debt financing or equity issuances), IPOs, facilitating mergers and other corporate reorganizations and acting as a broker or financial advisor for institutions. They might also trade securities on their own accounts. Investment banks potentially thrive on expanding its network of clients, since that could help them increase profits. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and CME Group Inc are some of the largest investment banking companies.
Advertisement
CLSK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CLSK has been closely correlated with MARA. These tickers have moved in lockstep 84% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CLSK jumps, then MARA could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CLSK | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLSK | 100% | +3.80% | ||
| MARA - CLSK | 84% Closely correlated | +4.14% | ||
| RIOT - CLSK | 84% Closely correlated | +1.82% | ||
| BTBT - CLSK | 80% Closely correlated | +4.67% | ||
| HIVE - CLSK | 77% Closely correlated | +2.78% | ||
| HUT - CLSK | 77% Closely correlated | +3.68% | ||
More | ||||
MARA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MARA has been closely correlated with CLSK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MARA jumps, then CLSK could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MARA | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARA | 100% | +4.14% | ||
| CLSK - MARA | 85% Closely correlated | +3.80% | ||
| RIOT - MARA | 78% Closely correlated | +1.82% | ||
| BTBT - MARA | 77% Closely correlated | +4.67% | ||
| GLXY - MARA | 73% Closely correlated | +7.42% | ||
| KEEL - MARA | 71% Closely correlated | +2.56% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| EGUS | 58.83 | 0.63 | +1.09% |
| iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Growth ETF (EGUS) | |||
| ONEZ | 28.16 | 0.14 | +0.50% |
| TrueShares Seasonality Laddered Buffered ETF (ONEZ) | |||
| RODM | 42.08 | 0.09 | +0.21% |
| Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets (ex-US) ETF (RODM) | |||
| RBUF | 31.03 | N/A | N/A |
| Innovator U.S. Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (RBUF) | |||
| DVDN | 12.62 | -0.06 | -0.50% |
| Kingsbarn Dividend Opportunity ETF (DVDN) | |||