IJR vs SMLF
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF compared with iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
IJR
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
SMLF
iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- IJR yields more today: 1.47% vs 0.98% (forward).
- SMLF has grown its payout faster: 7.5%/yr vs 6.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year IJR delivered the higher total return: +17.8% vs +15.5% (price change plus payouts).
- IJR is cheaper to own: 0.06% vs 0.15% expense ratio.
- SMLF has the steadier distribution: consistency 66/100 vs 50/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | IJR | SMLF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $138.22 | $85.04 |
| TTM yield | 1.24% | 1.00% |
| Forward yield | 1.47% | 0.98% |
| Annual payout per share | $2.036 | $0.832 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 15, 2026 (est.) | Dec 15, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.06% | 0.15% |
| 1-year payout growth | -25.5% | -9.5% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +6.1% | +7.5% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | 66/100 |
| 1-year total return | +17.8% | +15.5% |
| 1-year price return | +16.3% | +14.4% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 102.6B | 4.0B |
| Years paying | 26.3 | 11.3 |
| 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
| IJR | SMLF | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 72.3 | 117.6 |
| Income per year | $147 | $98 |
| Income per month (avg) | $12 | $8 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model IJR · Model SMLF
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IJR Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.509 | Est. |
| IJR Mar 16, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.509 | Est. |
| IJR Jun 15, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $0.509 | Est. |
| SMLF Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.208 | Est. |
| SMLF Mar 16, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.208 | Est. |
| SMLF Jun 15, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $0.208 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
IJRSMLF
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, IJR or SMLF?
IJR currently has the higher trailing yield: IJR yields 1.24% and SMLF yields 1.00%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do IJR and SMLF pay?
IJR pays every quarter and SMLF pays every quarter. IJR's next ex-date is Dec 15, 2026 and SMLF's is Dec 15, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, IJR or SMLF?
SMLF has grown its payout faster: 7.5%/yr vs 6.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is IJR or SMLF better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. IJR and SMLF 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.