Reaves Utility Income Trust faces risks with high leverage and AI exposure, prompting a cautious hold stance.

Reaves Utility Income Trust (UTG) currently balances between income and growth but lacks strong yield or clear earnings growth. Its recent gains were driven by AI-linked merchant power stocks, increasing portfolio concentration and risk, especially with 18% leverage and heavy reliance on AI and power demand themes. The top 10 holdings make up half the portfolio, amplifying risk exposure. The analyst recommends holding UTG without adding new capital until macroeconomic conditions or AI valuations improve, due to compressed returns and risk asymmetry.