For public companies, one of the easiest ways to communicate financial stability to shareholders is to pay cash dividends. Most established companies often share a portion of their profits with investors and reward them with cash dividends. For investors, dividends provide a steady flow of passive income.
Below we present some of the best dividend ETFs on the market, including their yields and major holdings.
Dividend ETF: Things you need to know before investing in one
It is very efficient to own a dividend payment company through funds (ETFs) traded on exchanges. Dividend ETFs are funds that invest only in dividend paying companies. Fund managers select these companies based on specific attributes such as size, industry, geographical region, and dividend history.
If you choose a dividend investment style, all retentions in that ETF will have a similar profile.
For example, let’s say you choose a fund that only invests in large companies with a history of consistently paying dividends. In that case, the fund manager is usually unable to deviate from its investment strategy. This principle is important as the investment style you choose determines varying degrees of risk and potential returns.
For retail investors, ETFs are convenient as they offer instant diversification at low cost. This additional benefit makes dividend ETFs attractive to beginner investors, as stock selection requires a certain level of investment knowledge.
Top dividend ETF
Below are some of the most widely held dividend ETFs in the market. (Data as of May 23, 2025.)
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)
VIG tracks the performance of the NASDAQ US Dividend Achievers Select Index. The investment strategy focuses on dividend growth and selects companies that have consistently increased dividend payments for at least 10 years.
- Fund dividend yield: 1.9%
- Top Holdings: Broadcom (Avgo), Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Eli Lilly (LLY)
- Cost Ratio: 0.05%
- Managed assets: ~$100 billion
Vanguard High Dividend Ilde Etf (VYM)
VYM tracks the performance of the FTSE high dividend yield index. This index selects high-yield dividend payment companies based in the US, excluding real estate investment trusts (REITs).
- Fund dividend yield: 3.0%
- Top Holdings: Broadcom (AVGO), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Walmart (WMT)
- Cost Ratio: 0.06%
- Managed assets: ~$70.4 billion
Schwab US Dividend EquityETF (SCHD)
SCHD is trying to track the performance of the Dow Jones US Dividend 100 Index. This includes companies with strong financial performance. The Low Cost Fund owns companies based on dividend quality and sustainability and consists of many family names.
- Fund dividend yield: 4.0%
- Top Holdings: Coca-Cola (KO), Verizon Communications (VZ), Altria Group (MO), Cisco Systems (CSCO)
- Cost Ratio: 0.06%
- Managed assets: ~$67.3 billion
SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY)
SDY tracks the performance of the S&P High High Hight Dividend Aristocrats Index. An index screen for companies that have consistently increased dividend payments for at least 20 years in a row.
- Fund dividend yield: 2.7%
- Top Holdings: Verizon Communications (VZ), Realty Income (O), Microchip Technology (MCHP)
- Cost Ratio: 0.35%
- Managed assets: ~$19.6 billion
iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY)
DVY tracks the performance of the Dow Jones Select Dividend Index. The index selects US-based high-power distribution companies (approximately 100 companies).
- Fund dividend yield: 3.8%
- Top Holdings: Altria Group (MO), Ford Motor Co. (F), Edison International (EIX), Verizon Communications (VZ)
- Cost Ratio: 0.38%
- Managed assets: ~$19.2 billion
Proshares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL)
Nobl tracks performance of the S&P 500 dividend Aristocrats index. There is an index screen for multinational household names with a history of increasing dividends for at least 25 years, some of which have been doing so for over 40 years.
- Fund dividend yield: 2.2%
- Top Holdings: Franklin Resource (Ben), Caterpillar (Cat), Emerson Electric (EMR), Cardiac Health (CAH)
- Cost Ratio: 0.35%
- Managed assets: ~$11.3 billion
How dividends work
Dividend payments are usually issued quarterly to shareholders, but in some cases, companies may issue special dividends that act as a one-off bonus. To obtain the right to future dividends, shareholders must own shares in the company up to what is known as the day of the original dividend.
Investors pay particular attention to dividend yields and emphasize how much the company or fund will pay in relation to the stock price. Dividend yields are calculated by receiving an annual dividend payment and dividing it by the stock price. Yield is displayed as a percentage. Yields can be calculated based on payments made over the last year or payments expected to be made next year.
For example, if a company pays an annual dividend of $4 and its share price is $100, it will have a dividend yield of $1 quarterly distribution.
Certainly, high yields do not always mean solid investment opportunities. Certainly, many investors see the highest yield as a red flag where the company’s stock may have been a hit, causing yields. Very high yields could also be a sign that investors think the company will cut dividend payments in the near future.
As a general rule, make sure to look at the overall financial situation of a company before investing. The dividend payment is the icing on the cake.
How to invest in dividend ETFs
A solid dividend strategy becomes a key component of your investor portfolio. A study by the Hartford Fund shows that since the 1940s, the S&P 500’s contribution to total revenues averaged around 34%. Also, when dividends are reinvested, revenues are even higher, accounting for 85% of S&P’s cumulative total revenue since 1960.
In essence, dividend investments tend to be less risky. Companies in a position to issue regular payments often have more cash than companies looking to grow their business rapidly. Reputable names such as groups known as dividends have a history of boosting dividend payments each year and taking great pride in doing so.
Here are four steps to consider when choosing a dividend ETF:
- Determine your financial goals: The type of investment you choose will depend on what you are trying to achieve. For example, those looking to retire may take a more conservative approach to investing. Therefore, always let your financial goals drive your decisions.
- Research dividend funding: When choosing a dividend ETF, pay attention to factors such as dividend history, dividend yield, fund performance, expense ratio, top holdings, and managed assets. Investors can find this information in the fund’s prospectus.
- Asset Mix Overview: Before you invest, invent what you own and how you want to allocate your assets. The key is to continue to diversify.
- Know what you own: By reviewing your investments regularly, you can take charge of your finances and make the necessary adjustments. Take advantage of free resources from brokers, such as meeting financial planners, and always ask questions. Ultimately, there’s nothing like handoff investment.
Like any investment, dividend ETFs are susceptible to losses. The magnitude of the potential loss is tied to the level of risk in the portfolio. Thus, funds that invest heavily in potentially high-risk assets, such as emerging market companies, have a very different risk profile than funds that invest in established, proven names. Macroeconomic factors such as the interest rate environment are also factors.
Is a dividend ETF a good investment for you?
A dividend-focused investment approach makes sense for many people at different stages of their investment lives.
- Dividends are a great way to build wealth over time, as growing companies distribute revenues to shareholders.
- Dividends make sense for those who want to generate income from their investments, such as those who have reached retirement age.
Always think about your investment goals and consider whether your dividend ETF will help you achieve them. It is advantageous to work with brokers that allow for reinvestment of dividends in partial stocks.
What to look for in dividend ETFs?
Here are some things to consider when choosing a dividend ETF.
- Fee
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Before you invest, you will want to understand the expense ratio of your ETF. Some ETFs have very low rates, while others can run high and eat up the return.
- yield
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Be aware of dividend ETF yields and understand what income you can earn next year. Remember that future dividends are not guaranteed.
- Return results
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While looking at the yields, we also look at the fund’s performance over time. Finding good yields makes little sense, but it makes sense to lose overall wealth in funds that have declined year after year.
- Portfolio Makeup
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Be careful about holding the fund and see if there is a lot of exposure to a particular company or industry. If the fund is heavily exposed to one industry, it will not receive diversification benefits provided by other funds.
How are dividends taxed?
Depending on the type of investment account you own, dividend distributions are taxed as normal income or as a tax reduction under special considerations. These rules apply only to holdings other than tax accounts, such as 401(k) and IRAs.
Conclusion
History shows dividends are an important source of income for investors. If consistent dividend payments are combined with rising stock prices, they can be a tool to build strong wealth. Dividend ETFs give multiple companies the opportunity to invest at once, providing more diversification than individual stocks. They can be a good way to enjoy healthy dividend payments from established companies and add income to your portfolio.
Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. Furthermore, investors recommend that past investment products performance is not a guarantee of future price increases.