FXL vs SMH
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund compared with VanEck Semiconductor ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FXL
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund
TTM yield · Quarterly
SMH
VanEck Semiconductor ETF
TTM yield · Annual
Quick take
- SMH yields more today: 0.19% vs 0.02% (forward).
- SMH has grown its payout faster: -2.7%/yr vs -66.3%/yr over the last 3 years.
- FXL pays every quarter; SMH pays once a year.
- Over the last year SMH delivered the higher total return: +95.7% vs +34.2% (price change plus payouts).
- SMH is cheaper to own: 0.35% vs 0.60% expense ratio.
- SMH has the steadier distribution: consistency 64/100 vs 40/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FXL | SMH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $215.21 | $567.01 |
| TTM yield | 0.00% | 0.19% |
| Forward yield | 0.02% | 0.19% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.04 | $1.105 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Annual |
| Next ex-date | Oct 2, 2026 (est.) | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.60% | 0.35% |
| 1-year payout growth | -80.4% | +3.2% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | +8.0% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 2 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 40/100 | 64/100 |
| 1-year total return | +34.2% | +95.7% |
| 1-year price return | +34.2% | +95.3% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 2.8B | 67.8B |
| Years paying | 15.7 | 13.7 |
| Sector / category | Technology | Technology |
✓ 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
| FXL | SMH | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 46.5 | 17.6 |
| Income per year | $2 | $19 |
| Income per month (avg) | $0 | $2 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FXL Oct 2, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | $0.01 | Est. |
| FXL Jan 3, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | $0.01 | Est. |
| FXL Apr 6, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | $0.01 | Est. |
| SMH Dec 21, 2026 | Dec 26, 2026 | $1.105 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FXLSMH
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, FXL or SMH?
SMH currently has the higher trailing yield: FXL yields 0.00% and SMH yields 0.19%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FXL and SMH pay?
FXL pays every quarter and SMH pays once a year. FXL's next ex-date is Oct 2, 2026 and SMH's is Dec 21, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, FXL or SMH?
SMH has grown its payout faster: -2.7%/yr vs -66.3%/yr over the last 3 years.
Is FXL or SMH better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FXL and SMH 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.