Dividend comparison
SCHD vs VIG: Which Is Better for Income?
Side-by-side yield, projected income, and dividend fundamentals for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF. Updated September 9, 2026.
| Metric | SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF | VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 3.01% | 1.48% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $1.05 | $3.58 |
| Price | $34.80 | $242.02 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | — | — |
| Dividend growth streak | 13 years | 12 years |
| Beta | 0.58 | 0.82 |
| Market cap | $99.60B | $131.03B |
| Exchange | AMEX | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% |
| Assets under management | $112.94B | $130.90B |
| Number of holdings | 102 | 338 |
| Top 10 concentration | 42.3% | 33.8% |
SCHD
$25.10/mo
$301 /yr at 3.01% yield
VIG
$12.33/mo
$148 /yr at 1.48% yield
Expect stretches of underperformance versus the broad market whenever leadership comes from the high-growth, low-yield companies these screens exclude.
What SCHD vs VIG actually do
It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which first requires at least ten consecutive years of dividends, then ranks the survivors on a composite of cash flow to total debt, return on equity, dividend yield and five-year dividend growth. The top 100 are held at market-cap weights with a 4% cap per stock and 25% per sector, reconstituted annually and rebalanced quarterly. Those quality screens push the portfolio toward mature value sectors and largely out of high-growth technology, which is the single biggest reason its return diverges from the S&P 500 in either direction.
Suits an investor who wants a growing dividend stream plus share-price participation and can sit out technology-led rallies without changing course. Not a match for someone who needs the highest available current yield or wants full market exposure.
Core dividend holding
It tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, which requires a decade of unbroken annual increases and then removes the top 25% of eligible names by yield. Screening out the highest payers is intentional: an unusually high yield often signals a stretched payout or a falling share price, and the index is built for durability rather than for current income. The result is a lower starting yield than most dividend funds and a portfolio that leans toward large, stable, profitable companies.
Suits a long-horizon investor who cares more about the dividend rising every year than about the size of the first payment. Not appropriate if you need meaningful cash flow from the position today.
Dividend growth, quality tilt
| Period | SCHD | VIG |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 2.81% | -0.78% |
| 3 months | 7.64% | 2.33% |
| Year to date | 28.94% | 10.12% |
| 1 year | 30.24% | 14.74% |
| 3 years | 56.12% | 54.26% |
| 5 years | 60.44% | 60.99% |
- SCHD
- VIG
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-09-04 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- SCHD
- VIG
SCHD102 holdings total
Quick verdict
SCHD currently posts the higher TTM yield (3.01%). SCHD yields 3.01%; VIG yields 1.48%. Choose based on whether you prioritize current cash flow, dividend growth, or total return — then model the holding inside your real portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Is SCHD or VIG better for dividend income?
What is the difference between SCHD and VIG?
How much income does $10,000 in SCHD vs VIG generate?
Which has the higher dividend yield, SCHD or VIG?
Can I hold both SCHD and VIG?
Where can I compare SCHD vs VIG with my full portfolio?
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.