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%.

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

Start line on the highway
Stocks for Beginners

Your First Canadian Stocks: How New Investors Can Start Strong in 2026

New investors considering what Canadian stocks to start with should consider these three picks for growth and income.

Read more »

A glass jar resting on its side with Canadian banknotes and change inside.
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees

Given their consistent dividend payouts, attractive yields, and visible growth prospects, these three dividend stocks are well-suited for retirees.

Read more »

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Dividend Stocks

A 5% Dividend Stock is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. is a reasonable buy here for immediate income and long-term growth, but investors should be ready…

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Investing

Get Ready: Up to $109,000 Worth of TFSA Room is Available in 2026!

You can invest up to $7,000 more in ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index Fund (TSX:XIC) this year.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

If You Love Deals, This Dividend Payer Could Be Just the Ticket

Jamieson Wellness (TSX:JWEL) is a mid-cap dividend stock that's also a cash cow and dividend-growth icon in the making.

Read more »

senior man smiles next to a light-filled window
Investing

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $5,000

These three Canadian stocks could help optimize your portfolio's risk-reward profile.

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

2 Safe Monthly Dividend Stocks to Hold Through Every Market

These two Canadian monthly dividend stocks have reliable income and durable business models, which can help investors stay grounded, even…

Read more »

Happy golf player walks the course
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Average $1,265 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

These top Canadian dividend stocks are in a solid position to sustain dividend payments through different market cycles.

Read more »