AFSM vs VB
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF compared with Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
AFSM
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
VB
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- VB yields more today: 1.18% vs 0.20% (forward).
- AFSM has grown its payout faster: 19.5%/yr vs 7.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year AFSM delivered the higher total return: +21.5% vs +14.4% (price change plus payouts).
- VB is cheaper to own: 0.03% vs 0.75% expense ratio.
- VB has the steadier distribution: consistency 88/100 vs 33/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | AFSM | VB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $39.52 | $287.22 |
| TTM yield | 0.51% | 1.27% |
| Forward yield | 0.20% | 1.18% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.08 | $3.396 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 24, 2026 (est.) | Dec 29, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.2% | +6.8% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +19.5% | +7.0% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 33/100 | 88/100 |
| 1-year total return | +21.5% | +14.4% |
| 1-year price return | +20.8% | +13.0% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 127.3M | 175.8B |
| Years paying | 6.9 | 21.8 |
| 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 | VB | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 253.0 | 34.8 |
| Income per year | $20 | $118 |
| Income per month (avg) | $2 | $10 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model AFSM · Model VB
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. |
| VB Dec 29, 2026 | Jan 12, 2027 | $0.849 | Est. |
| VB Mar 31, 2027 | Apr 14, 2027 | $0.849 | Est. |
| VB Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 | $0.849 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
AFSMVB
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 VB?
VB currently has the higher trailing yield: AFSM yields 0.51% and VB yields 1.27%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do AFSM and VB pay?
AFSM pays every quarter and VB pays every quarter. AFSM's next ex-date is Dec 24, 2026 and VB's is Dec 29, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, AFSM or VB?
AFSM has grown its payout faster: 19.5%/yr vs 7.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is AFSM or VB better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. AFSM and VB 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.