Dividend comparison
MLPA vs MLPI: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Global X - MLP ETF and MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
MLPA vs MLPI: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. MLPI is cheaper at 0.68% a year versus 0.77% for MLPA. On $10,000 that is $9 a year less in fees.
- Income. MLPI pays more income, yielding 12.62% over the last twelve months versus 7.44% for MLPA. That is about $519 more a year on $10,000. MLPA pays quarterly, MLPI pays monthly.
- Risk. MLPA has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -18.8%, against -13.9% for MLPI.
- Diversification. MLPI holds 34 positions and MLPA holds 20. The ten largest positions make up 98.6% of MLPA and 65.2% of MLPI.
- Overlap. 23% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 10 shared holdings.
- Size. MLPA is the larger fund with $2.4 billion in assets, against $930 million for MLPI.
Bottom line: MLPI has the edge on these figures, with lower fees, more income today, smaller drawdowns and broader diversification. MLPA does not lead on any of the measures compared here.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | MLPA Global X - MLP ETF | MLPI MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 7.44% | 12.62% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $4.02 | $6.65 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Last dividend | $1.0200 on Aug 13, 2026 | $0.6276 on Sep 18, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Aug 10, 2026 | Sep 16, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 5.5% over 4 yrs | — |
| Price | $54.06 | $52.65 |
| Dividend growth streak | 3 years | — |
| Beta | 0.25 | -0.20 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -18.8% | -13.9% |
| Market cap | $2.32B | $228.4M |
| Exchange | AMEX | CBOE |
| Expense ratio | 0.77% | 0.68% |
| Assets under management | $2.36B | $930.0M |
| Number of holdings | 20 | 34 |
| Top 10 concentration | 98.6% | 65.2% |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
MLPA
$61.97/mo
$744 /yr at 7.44% yield
MLPI
$105.20/mo
$1262 /yr at 12.62% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. MLPA pays quarterly; MLPI pays monthly.
| Year | MLPA | MLPI |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.7850 | $0.6524 |
| 2024 | $3.5800 | — |
| 2023 | $3.3200 | — |
| 2022 | $3.0150 | — |
| 2021 | $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 Jan 23, 2026 would now be worth $11,300 in MLPA and $10,231 in MLPI.
| Period | MLPA | MLPI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -4.30% | -0.30% |
| 3 months | -1.26% | -6.40% |
| Year to date | 18.16% | — |
| 1 year | 22.53% | — |
| 3 years | 47.79% | — |
| 5 years | 98.68% | — |
- MLPA
- MLPI
Both series indexed to 100 on 2026-01-23 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.
- MLPA
- MLPI
MLPA vs MLPI holdings overlap
23% overlap by weight, with 10 holdings in common. Overlap adds up the smaller of the two weights for every stock both funds own, so 100% would mean identical portfolios.
| Largest shared holdings | MLPA weight | MLPI weight |
|---|---|---|
| MPLXMPLX LP | 12.54% | 4.74% |
| ETENERGY TRANSFER LP | 15.50% | 4.36% |
| CQPCHENIERE ENERGY PARTNERS LP | 7.40% | 3.67% |
| PAAPLAINS ALL AMER PIPELINE LP | 11.86% | 3.18% |
| EPDENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS | 13.19% | 2.80% |
| HESMHESS MIDSTREAM LP - CLASS A | 7.74% | 2.00% |
| DKLDELEK LOGISTICS PARTNERS LP | 3.13% | 1.18% |
| GELGENESIS ENERGY L.P. | 4.53% | 1.01% |
| OKEFALCON TOPCO INC | 0.00% | 5.74% |
| OKEONEOK INC | 0.00% | 5.74% |
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
MLPI has the edge on these figures, with lower fees, more income today, smaller drawdowns and broader diversification. MLPA does not lead on any of the measures compared here. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
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Frequently asked questions
Is MLPA or MLPI better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MLPA currently yields 7.44% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while MLPI yields 12.62%. 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 MLPA and MLPI?
Global X - MLP ETF (MLPA) is an ETF listed on AMEX. MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) is an ETF listed on CBOE. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, MLPA or MLPI?
MLPI has the lower expense ratio. MLPA charges 0.77% a year and MLPI charges 0.68%, a difference of $9 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MLPA or MLPI?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, MLPA has been riskier: MLPA fell as much as 18.8% and MLPI as much as 13.9%. Their betas are 0.25 and -0.20.
How much do MLPA and MLPI overlap?
About 23% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 10 shared holdings. The largest shared positions are MPLX, ET, CQP. Holding both still adds meaningful diversification.
How often do MLPA and MLPI pay dividends?
MLPA pays quarterly and MLPI pays monthly.
How much income does $10,000 in MLPA vs MLPI generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in MLPA would generate roughly $61.97 per month ($744 annually). The same amount in MLPI would produce about $105.20 per month ($1262 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both MLPA and MLPI?
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 MLPA vs MLPI with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how MLPA and MLPI 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.