Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF

UTES

Market cap $1.46B

Water utilities appear undervalued by 18% versus historical baselines, while electric/multi utilities are overvalued by 18%, partially offset by quality. Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF offers a compelling active alternative for utilities exposure, outperforming XLU since inception with the risk of a concentrated portfolio. 10 utility stocks were cheaper than their peers in March.

Data center electricity consumption is on pace to exceed 1,000 terawatt-hours by 2030, up from just 460 TWh in 2024, and it will comprise 10% of the U.S.

Utility stocks modestly underperformed the S&P 500® Index during the quarter. The Fund declined 4.91% in the quarter, underperforming the S&P 500® Utilities Index (Utilities Index). DTE Energy, Duke Energy, WEC Energy, and OGE Energy were all top contributors, owing to trading in the Fund.

IDGT, WCBR, UTES, BDRY, MKOR & RING led last week's ETF gains as AI rotation, Japan optimism, shipping strength and defensive demand drove standout performance.

TMX VettaFi writers Ben Hernandez and DJ Shaw delved into the world of crypto ETFs in the last Bull vs. Bear. In this edition, writers Nick Peters-Golden and Elle Fitzgerald focus on artificial intelligence — specifically, AI ETFs.

Increasing electricity demand tied to artificial intelligence (AI) expansion and data center growth drove increasing load forecasts and capital spending expectations for many companies in the sector. The Fund advanced 10.64% in the quarter, outperforming the S&P 500® Utilities Index (Utilities Index). The Fund continued to benefit from its exposure to companies levered to AI-related power demand.

The Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF offers active, concentrated Utilities exposure with $1.4B AUM and a 0.49% expense ratio. UTES has outperformed passive peers like XLU since inception with only modestly higher volatility. Significant allocations to independent power producers position UTES to benefit from AI-driven power demand growth, despite higher cyclicality and volatility.

Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF remains a buy, driven by strong performance and exposure to utilities benefiting from rising power demand and AI trends. UTES has outperformed utility peers and the S&P 500 Utilities Index, with concentrated holdings in high-growth names like VST, TLN, and CEG. While valuation and concentration risks exist, robust earnings growth and sector tailwinds justify continued optimism for UTES in growth portfolios.

Utilities ETFs like UTES, FXU and FUTY soared in July as the sector recorded its strongest streak since 2009.

UTES stands out as an actively managed utility ETF, outperforming peers by capitalizing on AI-driven electricity demand and focusing on independent power producers. The concentrated portfolio, led by skilled Reaves managers, has evolved into a growth-oriented utility ETF, but current valuations appear stretched after a recent rally. With a modest 1.6% yield, UTES isn't ideal for income investors; the Reaves Utility Income Fund (UTG) offers a 6.75% yield and similar management.