Dividend comparison
AMLP vs MLPA: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Alerian MLP ETF and Global X - MLP ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
AMLP vs MLPA: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. MLPA is cheaper at 0.77% a year versus 1.01% for AMLP. On $10,000 that is $24 a year less in fees.
- Income. AMLP pays more income, yielding 7.74% over the last twelve months versus 7.44% for MLPA. That is about $30 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, AMLP returned 107.0% versus 98.7% for MLPA, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $20,701 in AMLP and $19,868 in MLPA.
- Risk. AMLP has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -20.9%, against -18.8% for MLPA.
- Diversification. MLPA holds 20 positions and AMLP holds 14.
- Dividend growth. AMLP grew its yearly payout 8.8% a year over the last 4 years, versus 5.5% for MLPA.
- Size. AMLP is the larger fund with $12.6 billion in assets, against $2.4 billion for MLPA.
Bottom line: AMLP fits better if you care most about more income today, stronger 5-year returns and faster dividend growth. MLPA fits better if you care most about lower fees.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | AMLP Alerian MLP ETF | MLPA Global X - MLP ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 7.74% | 7.44% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $4.07 | $4.02 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $1.0300 on Aug 17, 2026 | $1.0200 on Aug 13, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Aug 12, 2026 | Aug 10, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 8.8% over 4 yrs | 5.5% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $52.60 | $54.06 |
| Dividend growth streak | 4 years | 3 years |
| Beta | 0.31 | 0.25 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -20.9% | -18.8% |
| Market cap | $12.69B | $2.32B |
| Exchange | AMEX | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 1.01% | 0.77% |
| Assets under management | $12.60B | $2.36B |
| Number of holdings | 14 | 20 |
| Top 10 concentration | — | 98.6% |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
AMLP
$64.48/mo
$774 /yr at 7.74% yield
MLPA
$61.97/mo
$744 /yr at 7.44% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. AMLP pays quarterly; MLPA pays quarterly.
| Year | AMLP | MLPA |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.9300 | $3.7850 |
| 2024 | $3.7100 | $3.5800 |
| 2023 | $3.3400 | $3.3200 |
| 2022 | $2.9300 | $3.0150 |
| 2021 | $2.8000 | $3.0500 |
Strategy: Alternative income
Income vehicles outside ordinary stocks and bonds: real estate investment trusts, preferred shares, business development companies that lend to private firms, and energy pipeline partnerships. Each is structured to pass most of its earnings through to shareholders, which is why yields are high. Their payouts depend on rents, loan books or pipeline volumes rather than on corporate dividend policy.
These income streams are sensitive to interest rates and credit conditions, and much of the income is taxed as ordinary income rather than qualified dividends.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $20,701 in AMLP and $19,868 in MLPA.
| Period | AMLP | MLPA |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -4.33% | -4.30% |
| 3 months | -1.61% | -1.26% |
| Year to date | 18.55% | 18.16% |
| 1 year | 22.84% | 22.53% |
| 3 years | 53.17% | 47.79% |
| 5 years | 107.01% | 98.68% |
- AMLP
- MLPA
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
- AMLP
- MLPA
Top 10 holdings
Largest positions by portfolio weight.
MLPA20 holdings total
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| ETENERGY TRANSFER LP | 15.50% |
| EPDENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS | 13.19% |
| MPLXMPLX LP | 12.54% |
| PAAPLAINS ALL AMER PIPELINE LP | 11.86% |
| WESWESTERN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L | 10.31% |
| SUNSUNOCO LP | 9.65% |
| HESMHESS MIDSTREAM LP - CLASS A | 7.74% |
| CQPCHENIERE ENERGY PARTNERS LP | 7.40% |
| USACUSA COMPRESSION PARTNERS LP | 5.86% |
| GELGENESIS ENERGY L.P. | 4.53% |
Quick verdict
AMLP fits better if you care most about more income today, stronger 5-year returns and faster dividend growth. MLPA fits better if you care most about lower fees. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how AMLP vs MLPA fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is AMLP or MLPA better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. AMLP currently yields 7.74% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while MLPA yields 7.44%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between AMLP and MLPA?
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Global X - MLP ETF (MLPA) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, AMLP or MLPA?
MLPA has the lower expense ratio. AMLP charges 1.01% a year and MLPA charges 0.77%, a difference of $24 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, AMLP or MLPA?
Over the last 5 years, AMLP has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: AMLP returned 107.0% and MLPA returned 98.7%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, AMLP or MLPA?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, AMLP has been riskier: AMLP fell as much as 20.9% and MLPA as much as 18.8%. Their betas are 0.31 and 0.25.
How often do AMLP and MLPA pay dividends?
Both pay quarterly. The most recent payments were $1.0300 for AMLP and $1.0200 for MLPA.
How much income does $10,000 in AMLP vs MLPA generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in AMLP would generate roughly $64.48 per month ($774 annually). The same amount in MLPA would produce about $61.97 per month ($744 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both AMLP and MLPA?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare AMLP vs MLPA with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how AMLP and MLPA fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.