Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (03AP)

Overview

The company focuses on a specialized sector within the North American energy market, primarily dealing with the infrastructure necessary for the midstream activities associated with energy commodities. These include a wide range of operations such as gathering and processing, liquefaction, pipeline transportation, rail terminaling, and storage, which are crucial for the distribution and management of energy commodities. By investing a significant portion of its assets in securities that are part of its underlying index, the company seeks to provide exposure to the midstream energy businesses, which play a vital role in the energy supply chain. Despite its focused investment strategy, it is noted that the fund maintains a non-diversified status, emphasizing its concentrated approach towards the midstream energy sector.

Products and Services

• Gathering and Processing

  This service involves the initial stages of handling energy commodities, including the collection of raw materials and their subsequent processing into a form that can be efficiently transported and sold. It is a critical step in ensuring the reliability and quality of energy sources.

• Liquefaction

  Liquefaction refers to the process of converting gas into a liquid form, primarily to facilitate easier storage and transportation of natural gas over long distances, especially for overseas transportation. This process is fundamental in the global trade of natural gas.

• Pipeline Transportation

  A key component in the energy infrastructure, pipeline transportation involves the efficient movement of various energy commodities, including oil and gas, across vast distances. Pipelines are considered one of the safest and most economical methods of transporting energy resources.

• Rail Terminaling

  This service ensures the efficient transfer of energy commodities from pipelines to rail systems, or vice versa. Rail terminaling plays a significant role in areas where pipelines are not available or feasible, providing a flexible transportation alternative.

• Storage

  Storage solutions are essential for managing the supply and demand of energy commodities, allowing for stockpiling during periods of low demand and availability during peaks in demand. This service is crucial for stabilizing energy markets and ensuring uninterrupted supply.