International Analysis 12 min read Updated Quarterly

SCHD International Exposure Analysis

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This page — “SCHD International Exposure” — is for non-US or globally diversified investors who need clarity on how SCHD applies to their situation.

⚠ When this page isn’t for you

This isn't formal cross-border tax advice — rules vary by country, so confirm specifics with a local professional.

Comprehensive analysis of SCHD's international revenue exposure. Understand geographic diversification, currency risks, and global market correlations of SCHD's underlying holdings.

Understanding SCHD's Global Reach

While SCHD is a U.S.-focused dividend ETF, its underlying companies generate significant revenue from international markets. This indirect international exposure provides global diversification while maintaining the U.S. regulatory and tax framework that investors prefer.

This analysis examines the geographic revenue distribution, currency exposures, and global market correlations of SCHD's portfolio, providing insights into its true international diversification characteristics.

Key International Exposure Metrics

~40%
International Revenue
Average percentage of revenue SCHD companies generate outside the United States
~60%
Domestic Revenue
Average percentage of revenue generated within the United States
85+
Global Companies
Number of SCHD holdings with significant international operations
50+
Countries
Number of countries where SCHD companies generate revenue

Geographic Revenue Distribution

SCHD's international revenue is concentrated in developed markets, with significant exposure to Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. This distribution provides natural currency and economic diversification.

Europe

Developed Markets
Revenue Share ~18%
Key Countries UK, Germany, France
Major Sectors Healthcare, Industrials

Asia-Pacific

Growth Markets
Revenue Share ~15%
Key Countries Japan, China, Australia
Major Sectors Technology, Consumer

Americas

Ex-US Americas
Revenue Share ~5%
Key Countries Canada, Mexico, Brazil
Major Sectors Energy, Materials

Other Regions

Rest of World
Revenue Share ~2%
Key Markets Middle East, Africa
Major Sectors Energy, Industrials
Geographic Insight: SCHD's international revenue is heavily weighted toward developed markets (Europe 18%, Asia-Pacific developed 10%), with only about 5% exposure to emerging markets. This aligns with the quality focus of SCHD's methodology, which favors companies with stable international operations in established markets.

Top Companies by International Revenue

Pfizer (PFE)

Healthcare - Pharmaceuticals
International Revenue 58%
SCHD Weight 3.8%

Texas Instruments (TXN)

Technology - Semiconductors
International Revenue 75%
SCHD Weight 2.1%

Caterpillar (CAT)

Industrials - Machinery
International Revenue 52%
SCHD Weight 2.9%

Key Insight: The companies with highest international revenue exposure in SCHD are typically in sectors like Healthcare (pharmaceuticals), Technology (semiconductors), and Industrials (global machinery). These companies benefit from global scale while providing U.S. investors with international diversification through familiar, well-regulated U.S. corporations.

Currency Exposure Analysis

International revenue exposure creates natural currency diversification. SCHD's holdings have significant exposure to major global currencies, providing a hedge against U.S. dollar strength.

Euro
~12%
¥
Japanese Yen
~8%
£
British Pound
~6%
C$
Canadian Dollar
~4%
A$
Australian Dollar
~3%
Other
Various Currencies
~7%
Currency Insight: SCHD provides natural currency diversification, with approximately 40% of revenues exposed to non-USD currencies. This can be beneficial during periods of U.S. dollar weakness but may create headwinds during strong dollar environments. Most currency exposure is to developed market currencies with relatively stable exchange rates.

Global Market Correlations

U.S. Market Correlation

0.95
SCHD shows very high correlation with the S&P 500, as expected for a U.S.-listed ETF with U.S.-based companies.

European Market Correlation

0.65
Moderate correlation with European markets, reflecting the 18% revenue exposure to the region through multinational operations.

Asian Market Correlation

0.45
Lower correlation with Asian markets, particularly with emerging Asia, reflecting the quality focus on developed market exposure.

Correlation Insight: While SCHD provides international revenue diversification, its market correlation remains highest with U.S. markets. This makes sense given that company headquarters, management, and primary listings are all in the United States. The international exposure provides economic diversification more than market diversification.

Portfolio Construction Implications

Built-In Diversification

SCHD provides automatic international exposure through U.S. multinationals, reducing the need for separate international ETFs for basic diversification.

Not Complete International Exposure

SCHD lacks exposure to companies headquartered outside the U.S. For true geographic diversification, complement with international dividend ETFs.

Currency Risk Management

SCHD's international revenue provides natural currency diversification, but currency fluctuations can impact reported earnings and dividends.

Sector Considerations

Sectors with highest international exposure in SCHD (Healthcare, Tech, Industrials) may perform differently during global economic cycles.

Complementary International Strategies

Core International Dividend ETF

Pair SCHD with an international dividend ETF like IDV or PID to gain exposure to companies headquartered outside the U.S., providing true geographic diversification.
Suggested: 20-30%

Emerging Markets Complement

Add a small allocation to emerging markets dividend ETFs like DEM to capture growth in developing economies that SCHD's quality focus misses.
Suggested: 5-10%

Currency Hedge Strategy

For investors concerned about currency risk, consider currency-hedged international ETFs alongside SCHD to separate geographic exposure from currency exposure.
Optional Strategy
Next: Barbell Strategy with SCHD

Sources & further reading

Disclaimer: SCHD Tools provides educational information and calculator estimates for informational purposes only. This is not financial, investment, or tax advice. All projections are hypothetical, depend on assumptions you can adjust, and do not guarantee future results — past performance does not guarantee future returns. SCHD figures (yield, price, dividend growth) change over time; verify current data before investing and consult a qualified financial advisor about your individual situation.