4 Types of MLP ETFs for Income Investors

Master limited partnerships, or MLPs, are a unique corner of the energy sector that

produce high yields without the strict ties to interest rates. These dividend-generating

machines are allowed to pass a majority of their profits to shareholders through

distributions, which make them attractive for income seekers.

In addition, MLPs don’t follow the same price patterns as traditional stocks and bonds,

which is a bonus for those looking to diversify or balance a broad mix of assets.

I like to classify MLPs as an alternative income asset class because of these unique

properties. MLPs don’t operate like a traditional energy company. Rather, MLPs offer

a toll-road style business that operates pipelines, storage facilities and other

infrastructure needs for oil and natural gas commodities. This makes MLP business

models less susceptible to the whims of the commodity markets and offers a steadier

stream of reoccurring revenue.

Many investors like to own MLPs directly within a taxable account because there can

be some tax benefits available for sophisticated shareholders. Each direct investor in

an MLP is considered a limited partner and thus is sent a K-1 at the end of the year

according to their proportionate shares of the financial outcome.

However, there are also a number of ways to own these securities through a diversified

and liquid investment vehicle that offer their own benefits and risks.

There are currently a total of 25 MLP exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded

notes trading on U.S.-listed exchanges. While many of these funds show similar

characteristics, there are often very unique index construction techniques that set

them apart from each other.

If you’re looking for the biggest…

The largest fund in this space is the Alerian MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMLP), which

has over $9 billion in total assets. AMLP tracks the 25 largest MLPs by market cap

and has a current 30-day SEC yield of 7.04% as of the end of 2014. Top holdings

include: Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD),Magellan Midstream

Partners, L.P. (NYSE:MMP) and Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.(NYSE:PAA).

As you can see on the chart above, AMLP has been guilty by association with regards

to the deflation in energy prices over the last six months. This ETF has seen a marked

increase in volume and volatility as a result of the downgraded expectations for

energy-related companies. However, on a relative basis, this MLP index has held up

far better than traditional oil producer stocks.

One of the differentiating factors in owning AMLP versus a direct investment in a

master limited partnership is that you will not receive a K-1 at tax time, which can be

a headache to deal with. Instead, all distributions will be reported on a 1099 like most

conventional ETFs. It also means that AMLP incurs a hefty expense ratio — about

8.5%, according to some calculations — most of which is to cover tax liabilities.

If you’re trying to diversify…

If you are looking for a more diversified MLP ETF with defensive properties, you may

want to consider the First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure

Fund (NYSEARCA:EMLP). This actively-managed ETF selects both MLP and

traditional utility companies operating in the U.S. and Canada. EMLP has a wider base

of 66 holdings and total asset of over $1 billion.

The benefit to this unique strategy is the broader diversification into the utility space,

which is often a stalwart sector during periods of stock market volatility. However, the

tradeoff is that EMLP has a watered down 30-day SEC yield of 2.76% compared to

the much higher income from AMLP.

If you’re prioritizing income…

If a high income stream is a priority, the Yorkville High Income MLP

ETF (NYSEARCA:YMLP) should be on your radar. This ETF follows the Solactive

High Income MLP Index, which selects holdings according to rules-based criteria for

current distribution rate and historical growth of the distribution. YMLP has a current

30-day SEC yield of 11.59%.

YMLP has 25 holdings that vary significantly in structure and asset allocation from the

industry benchmark. This ETF may be an opportunity to supplement AMLP has a

tactical holding for broader coverage of the MLP space or used to enhance the overall

yield of an income portfolio.

If you want low management fees…

If cost of ownership is a core tenet of your screening criteria, the Global X MLP

ETF(NYSEARCA:MLPA) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure

ETF (NYSEARCA:MLPX) are worth consideration.

Both funds have one of the lowest expense ratios in this sector, with management fees

of just 0.45%. MLPA follows a more traditional asset allocation to the industry

benchmark with 35 holdings, while MLPX has exposure to 41 securities that are

geared more towards energy infrastructure corporations.