About Us

Reaves Asset Management is a independently owned company with decades of experience investing in publicly listed infrastructure equities.

Our managed portfolios, designed to provide both capital appreciation and income, have historically generated attractive risk-adjusted returns with defensive characteristics in all market cycles. We aim to generate high single-digit returns with lower market volatility over the long term.

The team at Reaves invests in the same strategies as our clients, most notably through the firm’s employee profit-sharing trust. Employees also have investments in the firm’s closed-end fund, exchange-traded fund, and mutual fund.

Our History

Reaves Asset Management was founded in 1961 by William H. Reaves who built on his experience and knowledge as the head of utility research at Kidder Peabody & Co. to create the framework for our research-driven investment philosophy.

In 1978, Reaves began managing its first institutional account focused exclusively on the utility and energy infrastructure sectors of the broad market. In 2004, the Reaves Utility Income Fund was launched and has consistently ranked as one of the most well managed closed-end funds.

Today, as the firm approaches its 60th anniversary, the Reaves investment team remains dedicated to our founder’s original vision of focusing its research and investing efforts on companies which provide essential services and form the backbone of our modern economy.

Reaves Established

On May 1, 1961, William H. Reaves and Charles Hewitt founded Reaves, Hewitt & Co., an investment research firm focused on the utilities sector. Bill Reaves was named the Firm’s first President.

May 1961

May 1963

Reaves Expands

Tom Williams was hired as the Firm’s senior utilities analyst. He remained a Reaves employee until 2006.

The W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc.
Era Begins

On September 1, 1966, the Firm changed its name to W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. Bill Reaves continued to serve as the Firm’s President.

September 1966

January 1978

The Beginning of Institutional Account Management

Reaves began managing institutional equity accounts with portfolios concentrated in the utilities, energy, and telecommunications sectors.

IPO of the Reaves Utility Income Fund (ticker:UTG)

On February 27, 2004, the Reaves Utility Income Fund debuted on the American Stock Exchange at $20 a share.

February 2004

December 2004

Mutual Fund Launched

On December 22, 2004, Reaves launched an open-end mutual fund.

Transition to New Leadership

Ron Sorenson was named the Firm’s Chief Executive Officer and Bill Ferer was named President.

September 2005

Febuary 2012

New Era Begins-
Reaves Asset Management

In recognition of the Firm’s focus on the asset management business, W.H Reaves & Co., Inc. began doing business as Reaves Asset Management.

Utility ETF Launched (ticker:UTES)

On September 23, 2015, the world’s first actively managed utility sector ETF, the Reaves Utilities ETF debuted on the New York Stock Exchange at $25 a share. The name was subsequently changed to the Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF.

September 2015

January 2019

Looking to the Future

Jay Rhame was appointed Chief Executive Officer and John Bartlett was named President.

Reaves Asset Management is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration does not imply any skill or training. Reaves is a privately held, independently owned “S” corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.

The information provided in this blog does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice or recommendations with respect to the securities and sectors listed. Investors should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of all investments carefully before investing. Any projections, outlooks or estimates contained herein are forward looking statements based upon specific assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of any actual events that have occurred or may occur.

W.H. Reaves & Co., Inc. is no longer a member of the New York Stock Exchange.

Past results do not guarantee future performance.Further, the investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate; thus, investor’s equity, when liquidated, may be worth more or less than the original cost. This document provides only impersonal advice and/or statistical data and is not intended to meet objectives or suitability requirements of any specific individual or account.
All investments involve risk, including loss of principal.
All data is presented in U.S. dollars.
Cash is cash and cash equivalents.
An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
Important Tax Information: Reaves Asset Management and its employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice to taxpayers. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s own individual circumstances from an independent tax adviser.
Fees: Net performance reflects the deduction of advisory fees which are described in detail in our Form ADV Part 2A.

Please contact your financial professional, or click the following links, for a copy of Reaves’ Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS.

Additional information about Reaves may be found on our website: www.reavesam.com.
2021 © Reaves Asset Management (W. H. Reaves & Co., Inc.)