NEW YORK, August 3, 2026, 12:13 EDT
- FDVV outperformed SCHD in five-year annualized NAV returns by 5.12 percentage points. The fund’s current SEC yield was just 53 basis points below SCHD.
- RDVY delivered stronger returns than SCHD; however, its yield of 0.82% results in a significantly wider income disparity.
- The division is due to sector allocation. SCHD leans defensive, whereas RDVY has significant exposure to technology and cyclical sectors.
Fidelity High Dividend ETF NYSEARCA:FDVV delivered a five-year annualized NAV return of 13.63% through June, surpassing Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF NYSEARCA:SCHD by 5.12 percentage points. FDVV gave up just 53 basis points from its current SEC yield.
The First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF NASDAQ:RDVY outperformed SCHD over the past five years, leading by 4.43 points. However, its present yield stands 2.45 points below that of SCHD.
The gap is significant for those seeking income. With $100,000, FDVV’s yield differential amounts to approximately $530 per year. RDVY’s difference comes to about $2,450. These numbers are examples rather than projected distributions.
| Fund | 30-day SEC yield | Estimated yearly income for $100,000 | Expense ratio | Annual cost per $100,000 | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCHD | 3.27% | $3,270 | 0.06% | $60 | $104.16 billion |
| FDVV | 2.74% | $2,740 | 0.15% | $150 | $9.74 billion |
| RDVY | 0.82% | $820 | 0.47% | $470 | $24.89 billion |
SCHD figures are primarily as of July 31. FDVV information reflects data through June 30. RDVY figures are up to July 31. Income and fee numbers are based on straightforward annualized calculations.
U.S. markets opened on Monday. As of late data around midday, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust NYSEARCA:SPY was up 1.20%. SCHD advanced 0.24%, FDVV added 0.59% and RDVY gained 0.52%.
24/7 Wall St highlights FDVV’s advantage over five years. Issuer figures display the consistent five-point margin. However, the difference arises from how the portfolio is structured, rather than a substantial increase in yield.
| Fund | One-year NAV return | Three-year annualized | Five-year annualized | Ten-year annualized |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCHD | 24.08% | 13.52% | 8.51% | 12.37% |
| FDVV | 19.64% | 18.68% | 13.63% | — |
| RDVY | 30.45% | 21.63% | 12.94% | 16.65% |
Data reflects returns as of June 30, 2026. Multi-year periods show annualized figures. Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.
RDVY outperformed in both the one- and three-year timeframes. Over three and five years, FDVV continued to outperform SCHD. Rankings shifted notably between different periods.
Much of the rotation can be attributed to sector exposure differences. SCHD holds a defensive mix of holdings. RDVY favors technology and cyclical sectors. FDVV falls between the two.
| Fund | Technology | Financials | Industrials | Technology, financials and industrials | Health care, staples and energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCHD | 9.23% | 10.05% | 11.55% | 30.83% | 55.17% |
| FDVV | 27.60% | 19.70% | 3.60% | 50.90% | 14.20% |
| RDVY | 24.01% | 31.35% | 22.31% | 77.67% | 6.92% |
SCHD and FDVV allocations reflect data as of June 30, while RDVY allocations are reported through July 31. Combined figures use sector weights provided by issuers.
The difference is pronounced. SCHD allocates 55.17% to health care, staples, and energy. RDVY assigns 77.67% to technology, financials, and industrials. For FDVV, the equivalent stake in technology and cyclicals stands at 50.90%.
Fund guidelines lead to these exposures. SCHD filters for both dividend quality and financial stability. FDVV allocates 70% to yield, while payout and growth each account for 15%. RDVY requires increasing dividends, earnings expansion, adequate cash coverage, and a limited payout ratio.
| Fund | Main selection rules | Holdings | Resulting portfolio profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCHD | Dividend reliability, track record of payouts, and solid business fundamentals | 103 | Large-value stocks with a defensive income tilt |
| FDVV | 70% based on yield, 15% on payout ratio, and 15% on dividend growth, with sector allocation up to 40% | 99 | Emphasis on higher yields, plus exposure to tech and financials |
| RDVY | Picks based on dividend growth, rising EPS, cash-to-debt ratio greater than 50%, and payout ratio no more than 65% | 71 | Focus on dividend growers from cyclical sectors |
Portfolio profiles are based on reported sector allocations. Fund issuers determine holdings and screening criteria.
The referenced articles address distinct topics. Seeking Alpha emphasized SCHD’s track record for steady income. The 24/7 report centered on FDVV’s total return over five years. The Yahoo-sourced Motley Fool piece showcased RDVY’s ten-year results.
David Dierking, a CFA and ETF expert, described RDVY as “not really an income investment at all.” The fund’s SEC yield of 0.82% reflects this characterization. Rather than focusing on income, RDVY operates similarly to a dividend-growth equity strategy. The Motley Fool
Risks: With 27.6% of its holdings in technology, FDVV may struggle if growth stocks decline. RDVY’s focus on financial and industrial sectors adds exposure to economic cycles. SCHD may underperform when defensive stocks weaken. Dividend payments are not guaranteed and could be reduced.
The data indicate there is no clear overall leader. SCHD provides the highest current income and the lowest expense ratio. FDVV has historically presented the best balance between five-year yield and return. RDVY achieved more rapid growth, but delivers less current income.
