ROBT vs SMH
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF compared with VanEck Semiconductor ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
ROBT
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
SMH
VanEck Semiconductor ETF
TTM yield · Annual
Quick take
- SMH yields more today: 0.20% vs 0.03% (forward).
- SMH has grown its payout faster: 8.0%/yr vs -36.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
- ROBT pays twice a year; SMH pays once a year.
- Over the last year SMH delivered the higher total return: +70.9% vs +8.5% (price change plus payouts).
- SMH is cheaper to own: 0.35% vs 0.65% expense ratio.
- SMH has the steadier distribution: consistency 64/100 vs 25/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | ROBT | SMH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $57.37 | $556.70 |
| TTM yield | 0.02% | 0.20% |
| Forward yield | 0.03% | 0.20% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.018 | $1.105 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Annual |
| Next ex-date | Dec 22, 2026 (est.) | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.65% | 0.35% |
| 1-year payout growth | — | +3.2% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | -36.0% | +8.0% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 2 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 25/100 | 64/100 |
| 1-year total return | +8.5% | +70.9% |
| 1-year price return | +8.5% | +70.6% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 775.2M | 74.9B |
| Years paying | 8.6 | 13.8 |
| 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
| ROBT | SMH | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 174.3 | 18.0 |
| Income per year | $3 | $20 |
| Income per month (avg) | $0 | $2 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model ROBT · Model SMH
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBT Dec 22, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.009 | Est. |
| ROBT Jun 20, 2027 | Jun 26, 2027 | $0.009 | Est. |
| SMH Dec 21, 2026 | Dec 26, 2026 | $1.105 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
ROBTSMH
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, ROBT or SMH?
SMH currently has the higher trailing yield: ROBT yields 0.02% and SMH yields 0.20%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do ROBT and SMH pay?
ROBT pays twice a year and SMH pays once a year. ROBT's next ex-date is Dec 22, 2026 and SMH's is Dec 21, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, ROBT or SMH?
SMH has grown its payout faster: 8.0%/yr vs -36.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is ROBT or SMH better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. ROBT 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.