Home ETF Comparisons SCHD vs VYM

SCHD vs VYM: Complete ETF Comparison

Detailed analysis of two popular dividend ETFs - Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF

SCHD

SCHD

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF

3.27%
Dividend Yield
0.06%
Expense Ratio
$95.2B
Assets
104
Holdings

SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 /, focusing on companies with a history of paying dividends. Uses a quality screen for financial stability and dividend consistency.

Dividend Growth Quality Focus Large-Cap Value
VYM

VYM

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF

3.02%
Dividend Yield
0.06%
Expense Ratio
$55.3B
Assets
454
Holdings

VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield /, investing in companies that are expected to pay above-average dividends. Broad diversification across market sectors.

High Yield Broad Diversification Large-Cap Value

Key Metrics Comparison

Metric SCHD VYM Winner
Dividend Yield 3.27% 3.02% SCHD
Expense Ratio 0.06% 0.06% Tie
5-Year Annual Return 11.2% 9.8% SCHD
Dividend Growth (5Y) 8.5% 6.2% SCHD
P/E Ratio 15.2 16.8 SCHD
Number of Holdings 104 454 VYM
Beta (5Y) 0.85 0.88 SCHD
Assets Under Management $95.2B $55.3B VYM

Dividend Analysis

SCHD focuses on dividend growth and consistency, requiring 10+ years of dividend payments. VYM prioritizes current dividend yield without strict historical requirements.

SCHD Advantages

  • Higher dividend growth rate
  • Better dividend consistency
  • Quality screens for financial health
  • Lower payout ratio companies

SCHD Disadvantages

  • Slightly more concentrated
  • May miss high-yield opportunities
  • Stricter entry requirements

Performance Comparison

SCHD has outperformed VYM over most time periods due to its quality focus and growth characteristics.

VYM Advantages

  • Better in high-yield environments
  • More diversified across sectors
  • Lower volatility in some periods
  • Broader market exposure

VYM Disadvantages

  • Lower total returns historically
  • Slower dividend growth
  • Includes some yield traps

Sector Allocation Comparison

Sector SCHD Allocation VYM Allocation Difference
Financials 15.2% 19.8% -4.6%
Healthcare 18.5% 12.3% +6.2%
Information Technology 14.8% 11.2% +3.6%
Consumer Staples 13.2% 15.6% -2.4%
Industrials 12.5% 10.8% +1.7%
Energy 8.2% 12.5% -4.3%
Utilities 6.5% 9.2% -2.7%
Consumer Discretionary 5.8% 4.5% +1.3%

Top 5 Holdings

SCHD Top Holdings

Company Weight
Broadcom Inc. 4.8%
AbbVie Inc. 4.5%
Amgen Inc. 4.3%
Home Depot Inc. 4.2%
Texas Instruments 4.1%

VYM Top Holdings

Company Weight
JPMorgan Chase 3.2%
Exxon Mobil 3.1%
Johnson & Johnson 3.0%
Procter & Gamble 2.8%
Broadcom Inc. 2.6%

Investment Recommendation

SCHD is recommended for investors seeking dividend growth with a focus on quality companies. Its strict selection criteria have resulted in better historical performance and faster dividend growth.

VYM is better for investors prioritizing current income and maximum diversification. While yields are slightly lower, its broader approach provides more stability.

Best for Growth: SCHD Best for Diversification: VYM Best Total Returns: SCHD Lower Risk: VYM
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Which should you choose: SCHD vs VYM?

SCHD
Choose SCHD if you want a low-cost (0.06%) blend of an above-average ~3.27% yield and a strong dividend-growth record from screened, quality U.S. companies.
VYM
Choose VYM if you want a higher current yield than SCHD from a very broad basket of large-cap U.S. payers.
Bottom line: VYM pays more income today, while SCHD pays less now but has historically grown its dividend faster and screens harder for quality. If current yield matters most, lean VYM; if a growing, durable income stream matters more, lean SCHD.