QDEF vs VYM
Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive ETF compared with Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
QDEF
Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- VYM yields more today: 2.40% vs 1.50% (forward).
- QDEF has grown its payout faster: 5.1%/yr vs 4.4%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year VYM delivered the higher total return: +20.1% vs +18.9% (price change plus payouts).
- VYM is cheaper to own: 0.04% vs 0.39% expense ratio.
- VYM has the steadier distribution: consistency 87/100 vs 68/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | QDEF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $91.48 | $163.52 |
| TTM yield | 1.53% | 2.22% |
| Forward yield | 1.50% | 2.40% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.368 | $3.92 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 17, 2026 (est.) | Sep 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.7% | +2.9% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +5.1% | +4.4% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 68/100 | 87/100 |
| 1-year total return | +18.9% | +20.1% |
| 1-year price return | +17.1% | +17.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 615.0M | 100.7B |
| Years paying | 13.7 | 19.7 |
| Sector / category | Large Value | Large Value |
✓ 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
| QDEF | VYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 109.3 | 61.2 |
| Income per year | $150 | $240 |
| Income per month (avg) | $12 | $20 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model QDEF · Model VYM
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| QDEF Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $0.342 | Est. |
| QDEF Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $0.342 | Est. |
| QDEF Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $0.342 | Est. |
| VYM Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $0.98 | Est. |
| VYM Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $0.98 | Est. |
| VYM Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $0.98 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
QDEFVYM
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, QDEF or VYM?
VYM currently has the higher trailing yield: QDEF yields 1.53% and VYM yields 2.22%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do QDEF and VYM pay?
QDEF pays every quarter and VYM pays every quarter. QDEF's next ex-date is Sep 17, 2026 and VYM's is Sep 17, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, QDEF or VYM?
QDEF has grown its payout faster: 5.1%/yr vs 4.4%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is QDEF or VYM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. QDEF and VYM 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.