PFF vs PREF
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF compared with Principal Spectrum Preferred Securities Active ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
PFF
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF
TTM yield · Monthly
PREF
Principal Spectrum Preferred Securities Active ETF
TTM yield · Monthly
Quick take
- PFF yields more today: 5.60% vs 5.35% (forward).
- PREF has grown its payout faster: 3.8%/yr vs -1.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every month.
- Over the last year PREF delivered the higher total return: +3.9% vs +1.8% (price change plus payouts).
- PFF is cheaper to own: 0.45% vs 0.55% expense ratio.
- PREF has the steadier distribution: consistency 98/100 vs 69/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | PFF | PREF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $30.39 | $18.78 |
| TTM yield | 5.41% | 5.35% |
| Forward yield | 5.60% | 5.35% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.702 | $1.005 |
| Payment frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Next ex-date | Oct 1, 2026 (est.) | Oct 1, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.45% | 0.55% |
| 1-year payout growth | -19.4% | +12.8% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | -1.1% | +3.8% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 2 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 69/100 | 98/100 |
| 1-year total return | +1.8% | +3.9% |
| 1-year price return | -3.4% | -1.4% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 13.0B | 1.9B |
| Years paying | 19.4 | 9.1 |
| Sector / category | Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock |
✓ 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
| PFF | PREF | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 329.1 | 532.5 |
| Income per year | $560 | $535 |
| Income per month (avg) | $47 | $45 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model PFF · Model PREF
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFF Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | $0.1418 | Est. |
| PFF Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 3, 2026 | $0.1418 | Est. |
| PFF Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | $0.1418 | Est. |
| PREF Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $0.0837 | Est. |
| PREF Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $0.0838 | Est. |
| PREF Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | $0.0838 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
PFFPREF
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, PFF or PREF?
PFF currently has the higher trailing yield: PFF yields 5.41% and PREF yields 5.35%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do PFF and PREF pay?
PFF pays every month and PREF pays every month. PFF's next ex-date is Oct 1, 2026 and PREF's is Oct 1, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, PFF or PREF?
PREF has grown its payout faster: 3.8%/yr vs -1.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is PFF or PREF better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. PFF and PREF 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.