SCHD and VYM are the two most popular dividend ETFs among passive income investors — and for good reason. Both track high-quality U.S. dividend payers, both have low expense ratios, and both have delivered consistent income over decades. But they are built very differently, and picking the wrong one for your goals can mean years of slower income growth.
In this comparison we'll break down SCHD vs VYM across every dimension that matters for a dividend investor: yield, dividend growth rate, sector exposure, expense ratio, total return, and downside protection. By the end, you'll know which ETF fits your portfolio.
Quick Overview: SCHD vs VYM at a Glance
| Metric | SCHD | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF |
| Index | Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 | FTSE High Dividend Yield Index |
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.06% |
| Holdings | ~100 stocks | ~550 stocks |
| Current Yield (approx.) | 3.3–3.8% | 2.8–3.3% |
| 5-Year Dividend Growth | ~12% CAGR | ~6% CAGR |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| AUM | $65B+ | $55B+ |
Dividend Yield: VYM Wins Today, SCHD Wins Over Time
VYM typically offers a slightly higher current yield than SCHD — usually around 0.3–0.5 percentage points more. If you need maximum income right now, VYM edges ahead. But yield is only half the picture.
SCHD selects stocks using quality screens (free cash flow, dividend yield, dividend growth consistency, return on equity) rather than raw yield. This means SCHD's companies tend to grow their dividends faster. Over 5 years, SCHD's dividend growth has averaged roughly 12% per year vs. VYM's ~6%. At that rate, a lower starting yield on SCHD overtakes VYM's higher starting yield within 5–7 years.
Holdings and Sector Exposure
SCHD holds ~100 stocks, making it concentrated in high-quality dividend growers. Top sectors include Financials (~15%), Consumer Staples (~15%), Industrials (~15%), and Healthcare (~15%). It excludes REITs entirely.
VYM holds ~550 stocks — much broader diversification. It includes REITs (which SCHD excludes), has heavier Financials exposure (~22%), and includes utilities and energy names that SCHD screens out. VYM is less volatile in drawdowns but has lower quality screens.
Total Return: SCHD Has the Edge
Looking at 10-year total return (dividends reinvested), SCHD has outperformed VYM by roughly 1.5–2% per year. This is primarily driven by SCHD's stronger dividend growth and slightly better stock selection from its quality screens.
Neither ETF will beat the S&P 500 in bull markets — they are income vehicles, not growth vehicles. But during market drawdowns, both tend to hold up better than the broader market because they hold profitable, cash-generating companies.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose SCHD if: You have a long time horizon (7+ years), you care about dividend growth as much as current yield, and you want concentrated quality.
- Choose VYM if: You need higher current income now, you want broader diversification including REITs, or you are in or near retirement.
- Consider both: Many dividend investors hold both — SCHD as the growth engine, VYM for higher current income and sector diversification.
How to Track SCHD and VYM in Your Portfolio
Once you own SCHD, VYM, or both, you need a way to see your blended yield, upcoming ex-dividend dates, and annual income projection — all in one place. Odalite is a free dividend portfolio tracker that lets you add any ticker, see your projected income automatically, and track your FIRE progress.
Track SCHD and VYM Together — Free
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