The National Association of Publicly Traded Partnerships, formerly the Coalition of Publicly Traded Partnerships, is a trade association representing the publicly traded limited partnerships (PTPs) that are commonly known as master limited partnerships (MLPs), and those who work with them. The Association is an outgrowth of an informal lobbying organization which was formed in 1983. Both the current Association and its predecessor have been highly successful in representing the interests of MLPs in Washington D.C. and the states.
MLPs are limited partnerships or limited liability companies (LLCs) choosing partnership taxation which are traded on public exchanges. A share in an MLP is called a “unit,” and MLP shareholders are known as “unitholders.” MLPs can be found on the New York and NASDAQ exchanges, as well as many regional exchanges. They combine the affordability and liquidity of corporate stocks and bonds with the advantages of investing in a partnership. MLPs generally pay their investors regular cash distributions, and many offer growth potential as well. There are over 100 MLPs on the market, the majority in industries related to energy and natural resources. For more information on MLPs and the Association, click on the links to the left.