SMH vs XLK
VanEck Semiconductor ETF compared with State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
SMH
VanEck Semiconductor ETF
TTM yield · Annual
XLK
State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- XLK yields more today: 0.49% vs 0.19% (forward).
- XLK has grown its payout faster: 8.1%/yr vs 8.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
- SMH pays once a year; XLK pays every quarter.
- Over the last year SMH delivered the higher total return: +95.7% vs +43.8% (price change plus payouts).
- XLK is cheaper to own: 0.08% vs 0.35% expense ratio.
- XLK has the steadier distribution: consistency 91/100 vs 64/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | SMH | XLK |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $567.01 | $187.87 |
| TTM yield | 0.19% | 0.42% |
| Forward yield | 0.19% | 0.49% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.105 | $0.912 |
| Payment frequency | Annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) | Sep 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.35% | 0.08% |
| 1-year payout growth | +3.2% | +1.9% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +8.0% | +8.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 2 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 64/100 | 91/100 |
| 1-year total return | +95.7% | +43.8% |
| 1-year price return | +95.3% | +43.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 67.8B | 121.4B |
| Years paying | 13.7 | 26.7 |
| 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
| SMH | XLK | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 17.6 | 53.2 |
| Income per year | $19 | $49 |
| Income per month (avg) | $2 | $4 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMH Dec 21, 2026 | Dec 26, 2026 | $1.105 | Est. |
| XLK Sep 21, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 | $0.228 | Est. |
| XLK Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $0.228 | Est. |
| XLK Mar 22, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $0.228 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
SMHXLK
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, SMH or XLK?
XLK currently has the higher trailing yield: SMH yields 0.19% and XLK yields 0.42%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do SMH and XLK pay?
SMH pays once a year and XLK pays every quarter. SMH's next ex-date is Dec 21, 2026 and XLK's is Sep 21, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, SMH or XLK?
XLK has grown its payout faster: 8.1%/yr vs 8.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is SMH or XLK better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. SMH and XLK 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.