2 High-Yield Dividend ETFs to Buy to Generate Passive Income

These two high-yield Hamilton ETFs pay monthly and offer exposure to real assets.

| More on:
Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass

Source: Getty Images

Ever dreamed of owning real assets like pipelines, power utilities, data centers, and telecommunications infrastructure while also generating passive monthly income?

Thanks to two distinct exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Hamilton ETFs, this isn’t just a dream — it’s an achievable investment strategy.

These ETFs allow you to tap into a collection of the largest North American utility and energy stocks, ensuring a steady flow of monthly income. Here’s how you can get started with these high-yield monthly dividend ETFs.

Hamilton Utilities Yield Maximizer ETF

Hamilton Utilities Yield Maximizer ETF (TSX:UMAX) offers a unique approach to investing in some of Canada’s largest utilities, pipelines, telecoms, and railways.

Unlike typical utility ETFs that may concentrate solely on electricity generation and gas distribution, UMAX provides a more diversified exposure across essential infrastructure sectors.

Utilities are already known for their high dividend yields, but UMAX enhances this by using an options strategy known as covered calls.

This means the ETF sells call options on up to 50% of its portfolio holdings that are at the money — meaning the strike price of the options sold is equal to the market price of the underlying stocks.

This strategy aims to generate additional income from option premiums, which can be significant, but it also caps the potential upside gains if the underlying stocks rise above the strike prices of the call options.

As of October 9, the ETF’s most recent monthly distribution was $0.17 per share, which, at the current price of $14.64 per share, translates to an impressive annualized yield of 13.93%.

Hamilton Energy Yield Maximizer ETF

Hamilton Energy Yield Maximizer ETF (TSX:EMAX) offers investors an effective way to gain exposure to the North American energy sector.

Unlike typical Canadian energy ETFs, EMAX diversifies its portfolio by including significant holdings in notable U.S. oil and gas companies, expanding its reach and potential market impact.

EMAX also uses a covered call strategy similar to that of its counterpart, UMAX, but with a crucial distinction: It sells at-the-money options on up to only 30% of its portfolio. This strategy allows for greater upside potential, keeping 70% of the portfolio unrestricted.

The rationale behind this more conservative approach to option coverage is rooted in the inherent volatility of energy stocks, which can command higher option premiums due to their larger price fluctuations.

As a result of this strategy, EMAX is able to generate considerable income from the premiums without overly compromising the growth potential of its holdings.

The ETF’s latest monthly distribution, paid at $0.167 per share against a share price of $15.91 as of October 9, results in an annualized yield of 12.59%.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Tony Dong has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

Concept of big data flow, analysis, and visualizing complex information for artificial intelligence
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest $10,000 in a Bullish Market

In a bullish market, investors should pick stocks wisely to avoid valuation risk. Here's a value stock idea.

Read more »

worker carries stack of pizza boxes for delivery
Dividend Stocks

3 Affordable Dividend Stocks That Pay Cash Every Month

Three price-friendly, small-cap stocks pay generous cash dividends every month.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 2 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now for Yields Near 6%

These stocks offer high yields yet still look undervalued.

Read more »

Offshore wind turbine farm at sunset
Dividend Stocks

Boost Your Dividend Payments Immediately With This TSX Stock

How does a 5.6% dividend yield sound?

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

You Got a CRA Payment? Don’t Blow It. Boost Your Wealth With These Savvy Savings Tips

Take those benefits and turn them into even more cash.

Read more »

customer uses bank ATM
Dividend Stocks

CPP Won’t Cut It: How to Boost Your Retirement Income

Investing in dividend stocks can help.

Read more »

woman retiree on computer
Dividend Stocks

2 Great Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy for Passive Income

These stocks have raised their dividends annually for decades.

Read more »

Woman in private jet airplane
Investing

3 Things to Know About Bombardier Stock Before You Buy

Bombardier stock has soared past $100, growing in triple-digits for the second year. Here’s something you should know before you…

Read more »