SMLF vs VB
iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF compared with Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
SMLF
iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
VB
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- VB yields more today: 1.20% vs 0.93% (forward).
- SMLF has grown its payout faster: 8.8%/yr vs 7.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- Over the last year SMLF delivered the higher total return: +21.9% vs +19.4% (price change plus payouts).
- VB is cheaper to own: 0.03% vs 0.15% expense ratio.
- VB has the steadier distribution: consistency 87/100 vs 66/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | SMLF | VB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $88.15 | $297.76 |
| TTM yield | 1.00% | 1.21% |
| Forward yield | 0.93% | 1.20% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.824 | $3.568 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 14, 2026 (est.) | Sep 25, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.9% | +8.7% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +8.8% | +7.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 66/100 | 87/100 |
| 1-year total return | +21.9% | +19.4% |
| 1-year price return | +20.7% | +17.9% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 4.3B | 184.4B |
| Years paying | 11.2 | 21.7 |
| 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
| SMLF | VB | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 113.4 | 33.6 |
| Income per year | $93 | $120 |
| Income per month (avg) | $8 | $10 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model SMLF · Model VB
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMLF Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | $0.206 | Est. |
| SMLF Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.206 | Est. |
| SMLF Mar 15, 2027 | Mar 29, 2027 | $0.206 | Est. |
| VB Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $0.892 | Est. |
| VB Dec 25, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | $0.892 | Est. |
| VB Mar 26, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $0.892 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
SMLFVB
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, SMLF or VB?
VB currently has the higher trailing yield: SMLF yields 1.00% and VB yields 1.21%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do SMLF and VB pay?
SMLF pays every quarter and VB pays every quarter. SMLF's next ex-date is Sep 14, 2026 and VB's is Sep 25, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, SMLF or VB?
SMLF has grown its payout faster: 8.8%/yr vs 7.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is SMLF or VB better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. SMLF and VB 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.