BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (ZWU.TO) Buy,…

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BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (ZWU.TO)

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12.02

+0.01 (0.08%)

as of Jun 15, 2026, 7:59:00 pm Market Open.

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Investor Insights

Jun 15, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 22 opinions in the last 12 months.

Experts generally view the BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (ZWU) as a solid investment choice for those seeking income through dividends while providing exposure to utility stocks. The ETF boasts a respectable yield in the range of 6-8%, supported by a diversified portfolio that includes utilities, telecommunications, and pipelines. While there is recognition that ZWU is sensitive to interest rates, many experts believe its defensive nature makes it suitable during economic uncertainties. The covered call strategy employed adds an income component but can limit upside potential compared to directly holding the underlying securities. Overall, analysts suggest that ZWU could serve as a meaningful part of a well-rounded investment portfolio, particularly for income-seeking investors looking for tax-efficient returns.

Consensus

Positive

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

PPL

BUY

Great ETF that has exposure to utilities, telco's and pipelines. Dividend rate sensitive to inflation. High dividend yield at 7%. Basket of Canadian dividend paying companies. Would be good for a portion of the portfolio (not 100%).

COMMENT

What is the tax treatment of this, yield or capital gains? Yes, some will be capital gains, some dividends. Your tax slip will break down the tax categories.

BUY

Includes names in Canada and US. Dividend plus a premium. Pipeline names and telcos. Good ETF from someone who wants a high level of income, though not necessarily for growth. Yield about 7.6%.

BUY

A great strategy for low volatility investors. Any price below ~$12 is a good buying opportunity. High dividend yield, with low risk.

BUY

Great way to get lower volatility and lower risk exposure to markets. Recent weakness due to hit to energy markets. Like it a lot bellow $12.5. Good buying opportunity on this dip.

BUY

Note that these aren't your typical utilities, but also pipelines like TransCanada, BCE and Verizon. Holds defensive, dividend players. Pays a 7.5% dividend yield. Holds safe, low-beta names. Likes it. It has performed well, down less than 1% YTD in today's market.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Good for dividend portfolio? Love it. Don't own it right now to reduce exposure to energy and pipelines. 13 / 12.5 area really attractive. If you need the dividend, no reason to sell it now.

BUY

Yield is really high, around 7%. Remember that, for utilities, because prices are regulated by government, they can't respond as well to rate increases, and so they tend to underperform markets. When you put a covered call overlay on them, it reduces the upside a bit, but half of it is not covered.

COMMENT

Holds non-traditional utilities like Canadian pipelines, plus BCE and Telus, Verizon, US pipelines. Covered call can boost income up to 7% here. When markets move higher, covered calls lag. Does really well in a flattish market, compared to owning the underlying securities. Good for people who want income, not necessarily looking for the capital gain.

BUY

A way to extract yield from the markets without too much risk. Has always recommended for income.

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Curated by Allan Tong since 2019.
99+ opinions with 4.15 rating.

TOP PICK

The BMO Covered Calls Utilities ETF, pays a big 7.52% dividend and charges a 0.71% MER. The biggest holdings are ZUT, the BMO Equal Weight Utilities ETF, Enbridge, TC Energy, Pembima and Fortis. Those with ESG concerns, take note that these are pipeline names. ZWU also holds telcos, including Rogers, BCE and Telus. Both classes of stocks are solid dividend payers. All Canadian. ZWU is fairly liquid, averaging 377,000 shares daily.

BUY

Utilities, pipelines, telecoms. Very nice dividend of around 7.6% with the covered call. YTD, down only 1.24%, which is not bad. Good name for income, not a ton of capital appreciation.

WAIT

Based on utilities. In a rising rate environment, because they're heavily regulated, they can't just go out and change rates on their own. So these could take a bit of a hit. You might want to wait a couple of weeks to see what the first real interest rate increases are going to be and buying it then. Yield is really good. In general, a good ETF.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Has traditional utilities, pipeline and telcos. All good dividends with high covered call exposure with a yield of 7%. Would not add here. Wait until it comes down. Some interest rate sensitivity but a solid yielder. Have to be mindful of oil prices for the pipeline and interest rates.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Trimmed it around $13. Loves it for the yield principles and stability over time. It is sensitive to interest rates and energy. These two are in play right now. Would trade around with it. If it dips, would add to it. At $13, it is richly valued. Need to know if you want to own it for distributions or to trade.

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