AMLP vs VOO
Alerian MLP ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AMLP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.17% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.22% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.61% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AMLP vs VOO Performance
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AMLP returned +19.22% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, AMLP is up 19.17% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, AMLP compounded at +18.61% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +19.24% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.4% compared with 14.2% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -85.4% for AMLP and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AMLP charges 1.01% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AMLP currently yields 7.76% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AMLP and VOO share 0 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AMLP or VOO?
AMLP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AMLP or VOO?
Over the past year AMLP returned +19.22% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AMLP annualized +0.78% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AMLP or VOO?
AMLP has been the more volatile fund at 25.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AMLP -85.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AMLP and VOO?
AMLP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AMLP and VOO?
AMLP and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AMLP or VOO?
AMLP yields 7.76% while VOO yields 1.09%, so AMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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