Dan Plettner Profile Picture Individual Investor

Dan Plettner

Financial Services

  • Education New York University (MBA), Miami University (BA Magna Cum Laude)
  • Investment Experience Approximately 20 years
Secrets of a Top Performer
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MLP Direct Ownership

The MLP Direct Ownership Model intends to foster long term tax-advantages of investing in Master Limited Partnerships via direct ownership of publicly traded MLP units.

An MLP combines the tax benefits of a limited partnership (ie. Avoiding taxes at the corporate level) with the liquidity of publicly traded securities.

MLPs generally offer stable yield, as they are required to pay minimum quarterly distributions to the limited partners by contract.

The target annual yield of this model is 6-7%.

The MLP structure is limited by US Code to only apply to enterprises that engage in certain businesses. Most pertain to the use of natural resources (ie: petroleum and natural gas extraction and transportation).

In a space cluttered with extraordinary IDRs ("Incentive Distribution Rights" to the General Partner), the model seeks to select MLPs where management is perceived least subject to conflicted interest that hazard ordinary investors.

Tax efficiencies of MLP structures may be degraded through ETFs, ETNs, or Closed-End Funds alternatives. The model does not use ETFs, ETNs, or Closed-End Funds. The model approaches individual MLPs from a long term perspective.
The model approaches individual MLPs from a long term perspective. Excessive IDRs (Incentive Distribution Rights to the General Partner) are perceived a signal of long term risk.
In this sector, a partnership's IDRs (Incentive Distribution Rights to the General Partner) are believed a potential indicator of Managerial Conflict of Interest Hazards. Research seeks to mitigate that hazard in selecting long term holdings.
The focus is on long term holdings with minimal turnover.
There is no mandate here. However, the model desires to be focused on long term holdings.  If the risk profile becomes undesirable, the MLP would be considered for sale.
The model does not surmise that MLPs are right for everybody, and supposes that marketplace misuse leaves unbalanced risk and return through various available securities and products. This model focuses on MLPs but the model manager (for whom Covestor carries alternate models too) has more extensive personal allocations to strategies of alternate focus.

Risk rating

3
17.4%

Best 30 days

-16.6%

Worst 30 days

Performance

  • -3.0%
    30 day
  • 7.4%
    365 days
  • 34.8%
    Since Inception
    August 02, 2010
Monthly vs S&P500
Sparkbar Graph, MLP Direct Ownership Investment Model Performance versus S&P500
2.1%

Last 12 months

  • $50,000 subscription min
  • 0.8% fee

Replicability

100.0%
  • Replicable

Top 5 Holdings View all

14.7%
10.5%
9.8%
9.6%
7.5%
  • EPD
  • VNR
  • MWE
  • MMP
  • LINE

Model commentary

  1. The closed-end fund that could see a catalyst this week

    26 March 2012

    A potential catalyst could come as early as this week for Boulder Funds, a closed-end fund held by Covestor manager Dan Plettner.

  2. These Closed-End Funds Should Ride Out Market … 7 March 2012
  3. Well-priced stocks will ride out these market … 21 February 2012
  4. Stocks will likely crush Treasuries over the next … 10 January 2012
  5. Ignoring conventional wisdom and embracing vo… 7 December 2011

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Performance detail

  • Manager
  • Alerian MLP
  • S&P 500

Performance

Inception August 02, 2010
as of May 15, 2012 Manager Alerian MLP S&P 500 Average Subscriber
Past 30 days -3.0% -2.4% -2.9% -3.8%
Past 90 days -5.3% -6.2% -0.9% -6.2%
Past 365 days 7.4% 6.0% 0.1% 5.7%
Since Inception (Annualized) 18.2% 7.5% 9.8% -
2012 (YTD) -1.9% -3.0% 5.8% -2.7%
2011 13.7% 7.3% 0.0% 12.4%

Risk Metrics

Last 365 Days
as of May 15, 2012 Manager Alerian MLP S&P 500
Best 30 days 17.4% 11.1% 13.6%
Worst 30 days -16.6% -16.0% -16.7%
Volatility 21.7% 18.6% 23.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.33 0.31 -0.00
Sortino Ratio 0.43 0.40 -0.00
Maximum Drawdown -18.3% -16.1% -18.8%
Value-at-risk (95%, 1 week) -5.0% -4.3% -5.4%
vs. Alerian MLP vs. S&P 500
Information Ratio 0.21 0.41
Alpha 1.0% 7.7%
Beta 1.12 0.64
R-Squared 0.92 0.47

Latest transactions view all

Average trades per month 0.8
Executed Symbol Security Replicable Type Price
08/08/11 APU Amerigas Partners LP Yes Buy $37.79
04/07/11 APU Amerigas Partners LP Yes Sell $47.97
09/01/10 APU Amerigas Partners LP Yes Buy $43.09
09/01/10 MMP Magellan Midstream Partners LP Yes Buy $49.09
09/01/10 VNR Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Yes Buy $24.35
09/01/10 MWE MarkWest Energy Partners LP Yes Buy $33.73
09/01/10 LINE Linn Energy LLC Yes Buy $28.94
09/01/10 LGCY Legacy Reserves LP Yes Buy $22.90
  • $50,000 subscription min
  • 0.8% fee

Important Information

Important Information

1. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

2. Performance of the model manager's account is calculated by Covestor on a daily time-weighted basis, including cash, dividends and earnings distributions, and broker commissions. Manager returns include trades that fail Covestor's trading rules, do not reflect any Covestor suitability or risk score restrictions and are exclusive of Covestor fees. More

3. Average subscription returns ("Avg Sub" or "Avg Client") are calculated by Covestor and are composed of the average, daily, time weighted returns of all active subscriptions to the underlying model. These daily average returns are then linked together for the timeframe requested. In addition, these returns include cash, dividends and earnings distributions, brokerage commissions, Covestor advisory fees, and reflect individual client suitability and risk score restrictions. More

4. All graph data is as of the end of day for the referenced period, unless otherwise specified. The subscription minimum is the minimum subscription required to follow a particular model. The minimum amount is determined by Covestor, based on the characteristics of the underlying model. It should not be considered as specific investment advice for your investment situation.

5. Benchmark returns have been calculated by Covestor using a time-weighted calculation of daily index valuations and do not include cash, dividends and earnings distributions, or transaction costs. More

6. Leverage indicates the level of margin utilized and is calculated by dividing gross exposure by portfolio net liquidation value.

7. All Model Manager information including personal data, profiles, strategies, monthly investment reports, and historical results outside of Covestor has been provided by the Model Manager. Covestor makes no representation or warranty of its accuracy, completeness or relevance and it does not represent the opinions of Covestor. Transaction history is available upon request. Model classifications (Approach, Asset Class) are provided by Covestor, and are intended to serve as a general guide.

8. Top Replicable Holdings: These securities are currently held in the model manager's brokerage account. Those marked as "Replicable Holdings" currently pass Covestor's trading rules, subject to individual client constraints. Eligibility for replication may change over time. Actual client subscription holdings may vary.

9. Latest Transactions: These transactions were executed in the model manager's brokerage account. Those marked as "Replicable" () passed Covestor's trading rules and were eligible for replication at the time of execution, subject to individual client constraints. Eligibility for replication may change over time. Actual client subscription trade activity may vary.

10. S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index compiled by Standard & Poor´s Corp. Index returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Individuals cannot invest directly in an Index. S&P 500 index data: S&P 500 Copyright © 2012.

11. Dow Jones index data: CME Group Index Services, LLC 2012