GOVT vs VGVT
iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF compared with Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
GOVT
iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF
TTM yield · Monthly
VGVT
Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF
TTM yield · Monthly
Quick take
- VGVT yields more today: 4.53% vs 3.70% (forward).
- Both pay every month.
- Over the last year VGVT delivered the higher total return: +1.5% vs +0.8% (price change plus payouts).
- GOVT is cheaper to own: 0.05% vs 0.10% expense ratio.
- GOVT has the steadier distribution: consistency 95/100 vs 67/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | GOVT | VGVT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $22.34 | $73.85 |
| TTM yield | 3.70% | 4.53% |
| Forward yield | 3.70% | 4.53% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.827 | $3.344 |
| Payment frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 1, 2026 (est.) | Oct 1, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.05% | 0.10% |
| 1-year payout growth | — | — |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | — | — |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 95/100 | 67/100 |
| 1-year total return | +0.8% | +1.5% |
| 1-year price return | -2.8% | -2.9% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 41.8B | 36.7M |
| Years paying | 14.4 | 1.1 |
| Sector / category | Intermediate Government | Intermediate Government |
✓ 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
| GOVT | VGVT | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 447.6 | 135.4 |
| Income per year | $370 | $453 |
| Income per month (avg) | $31 | $38 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model GOVT · Model VGVT
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOVT Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $0.0689 | Est. |
| GOVT Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $0.0689 | Est. |
| GOVT Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | $0.0689 | Est. |
| VGVT Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $0.2787 | Est. |
| VGVT Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $0.2787 | Est. |
| VGVT Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | $0.2787 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
GOVTVGVT
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, GOVT or VGVT?
VGVT currently has the higher trailing yield: GOVT yields 3.70% and VGVT yields 4.53%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do GOVT and VGVT pay?
GOVT pays every month and VGVT pays every month. GOVT's next ex-date is Oct 1, 2026 and VGVT's is Oct 1, 2026.
Is GOVT or VGVT better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. GOVT and VGVT 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.