Covered-call strategies can be an income investors' best friend. Whether the broader stock market goes up, down or merely grinds sideways, selling covered calls pays.
FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF (EIPI) is rated a Buy for income-focused investors seeking long-term exposure to the energy sector. EIPI offers an attractive yield with monthly distributions, active management, and additional income from covered call writing. The ETF provides tax efficiency via a 1099 form, top MLP holdings, and diversification.
FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF offers a 7.7% yield, which, I believe, is sustainable given its long-term average annual returns of around 9%. The fund's covered call strategy limits upside, causing it to underperform passive energy ETFs like AMLP and XLE over the long term. EIPI charges a relatively high 1.11% expense ratio, while alternative ETFs offer similar or better yields at lower costs.
EIPI offers exposure to the energy infrastructure space, with a tilt towards MLPs and midstream companies. The fund employs an options writing strategy to enhance distributions, with a managed monthly distribution rate of $0.125. With the latest market declines, it could be setting up a more attractive time to consider investing in EIPI for income-focused investors.
Income-focused investors seek inflation-resistant income with minimal day-to-day drama. Midstream energy companies offer stable, predictable cash flow and reliable dividends. We discuss our top picks with yields of up to 7.3%, with and without a Schedule K-1.
EIPI is an actively managed ETF offering high income distributions and long-term capital appreciation in the energy sector. Managed by Energy Income Partners, LLC, the fund focuses on yield, growth, and valuation metrics when selecting investments. The fund's strategic covered call writing strategy and diversified portfolio result in a competitive 30-Day SEC yield of 4.93% with potential for upside on the equity side.