AFSM vs IWM
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF compared with iShares Russell 2000 ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
AFSM
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
IWM
iShares Russell 2000 ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- IWM yields more today: 1.09% vs 0.20% (forward).
- AFSM has grown its payout faster: 19.5%/yr vs 6.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year AFSM delivered the higher total return: +21.5% vs +15.1% (price change plus payouts).
- IWM is cheaper to own: 0.19% vs 0.75% expense ratio.
- IWM has the steadier distribution: consistency 81/100 vs 33/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | AFSM | IWM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $39.52 | $275.75 |
| TTM yield | 0.51% | 0.99% |
| Forward yield | 0.20% | 1.09% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.08 | $3.00 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 24, 2026 (est.) | Dec 15, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.75% | 0.19% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.2% | +13.4% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +19.5% | +6.2% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 33/100 | 81/100 |
| 1-year total return | +21.5% | +15.1% |
| 1-year price return | +20.8% | +14.0% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 127.3M | 78.0B |
| Years paying | 6.9 | 26.3 |
| Sector / category | Small Blend | Small Blend |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| AFSM | IWM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 253.0 | 36.3 |
| Income per year | $20 | $109 |
| Income per month (avg) | $2 | $9 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model AFSM · Model IWM
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFSM Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $0.02 | Est. |
| AFSM Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $0.02 | Est. |
| AFSM Jun 24, 2027 | Jul 8, 2027 | $0.02 | Est. |
| IWM Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.75 | Est. |
| IWM Mar 16, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.75 | Est. |
| IWM Jun 15, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $0.75 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
AFSMIWM
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, AFSM or IWM?
IWM currently has the higher trailing yield: AFSM yields 0.51% and IWM yields 0.99%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do AFSM and IWM pay?
AFSM pays every quarter and IWM pays every quarter. AFSM's next ex-date is Dec 24, 2026 and IWM's is Dec 15, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, AFSM or IWM?
AFSM has grown its payout faster: 19.5%/yr vs 6.2%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is AFSM or IWM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. AFSM and IWM differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.