Dividend comparison
AMLP vs MLPX: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Alerian MLP ETF and Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
AMLP vs MLPX: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. MLPX is cheaper at 0.45% a year versus 1.01% for AMLP. On $10,000 that is $56 a year less in fees.
- Income. AMLP pays more income, yielding 7.74% over the last twelve months versus 4.20% for MLPX. That is about $353 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, MLPX returned 132.5% versus 107.0% for AMLP, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $23,245 in MLPX and $20,701 in AMLP.
- Risk. Their worst declines over the last 5 years were similar: -20.9% for AMLP and -19.7% for MLPX from peak to trough.
- Diversification. MLPX holds 29 positions and AMLP holds 14.
- Dividend growth. AMLP grew its yearly payout 8.8% a year over the last 4 years, versus 8.8% for MLPX.
- Size. AMLP is the larger fund with $12.6 billion in assets, against $3.6 billion for MLPX.
Bottom line: AMLP fits better if you care most about more income today. MLPX fits better if you care most about lower fees, stronger 5-year returns and broader diversification.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | AMLP Alerian MLP ETF | MLPX Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 7.74% | 4.20% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $4.07 | $3.07 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $1.0300 on Aug 17, 2026 | $0.7570 on Aug 13, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Aug 12, 2026 | Aug 10, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 8.8% over 4 yrs | 8.8% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $52.60 | $72.92 |
| Dividend growth streak | 4 years | 1 year |
| Beta | 0.31 | 0.28 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -20.9% | -19.7% |
| Market cap | $12.69B | $3.60B |
| Exchange | AMEX | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 1.01% | 0.45% |
| Assets under management | $12.60B | $3.58B |
| Number of holdings | 14 | 29 |
| Top 10 concentration | — | 69.3% |
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
MLPX
$35.03/mo
$420 /yr at 4.20% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. AMLP pays quarterly; MLPX pays quarterly.
| Year | AMLP | MLPX |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.9300 | $2.9234 |
| 2024 | $3.7100 | $2.5520 |
| 2023 | $3.3400 | $2.3300 |
| 2022 | $2.9300 | $2.1537 |
| 2021 | $2.8000 | $2.0880 |
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 $23,245 in MLPX.
| Period | AMLP | MLPX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -4.33% | -1.55% |
| 3 months | -1.61% | -3.56% |
| Year to date | 18.55% | 24.39% |
| 1 year | 22.84% | 28.95% |
| 3 years | 53.17% | 94.14% |
| 5 years | 107.01% | 132.45% |
- AMLP
- MLPX
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
- MLPX
Top 10 holdings
Largest positions by portfolio weight.
Quick verdict
AMLP fits better if you care most about more income today. MLPX fits better if you care most about lower fees, stronger 5-year returns and broader diversification. 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 MLPX fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is AMLP or MLPX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. AMLP currently yields 7.74% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while MLPX yields 4.20%. 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 MLPX?
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) 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 MLPX?
MLPX has the lower expense ratio. AMLP charges 1.01% a year and MLPX charges 0.45%, a difference of $56 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, AMLP or MLPX?
Over the last 5 years, MLPX has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: AMLP returned 107.0% and MLPX returned 132.5%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, AMLP or MLPX?
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 MLPX as much as 19.7%. Their betas are 0.31 and 0.28.
How often do AMLP and MLPX pay dividends?
Both pay quarterly. The most recent payments were $1.0300 for AMLP and $0.7570 for MLPX.
How much income does $10,000 in AMLP vs MLPX generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in AMLP would generate roughly $64.48 per month ($774 annually). The same amount in MLPX would produce about $35.03 per month ($420 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both AMLP and MLPX?
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 MLPX with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how AMLP and MLPX 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.