What does expense ratio mean in ETFs?

The expense ratio represents the annual cost of managing an ETF, deducted from its assets. For DIVB, it is 0.05%, while HDV has a slightly higher 0.08%. These costs reduce an investor's net return over time.

How do dividend yields differ between DIVB and HDV?

DIVB offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.22%, while HDV provides a higher yield of 2.99%. The difference reflects HDV’s focus on generating more income.

What is meant by the term net assets?

Net assets refer to the total value of an ETF’s holdings minus liabilities, measured in billions. DIVB has $2 billion, while HDV has $15.6 billion. Larger net assets often support greater liquidity and trading depth.

Why is inception date important when comparing funds?

An ETF’s inception date shows how long it has operated. HDV, launched in 2011, has a longer track record than DIVB, which started in 2017. A longer history may provide more insights into how each fund performs across different market conditions.

Which fund has more diversified top holdings?

DIVB's top-ten holdings limit single-stock concentration risk with a maximum holding weight of 4.89%. In contrast, HDV's largest position, ExxonMobil, makes up 9.04% of its portfolio. This indicates HDV has a more concentrated top-ten holding structure.

What are the shared top-10 holdings of DIVB and HDV?

Both DIVB and HDV include XOM and ABBV in their top-10 holdings. This overlap indicates a partial similarity in the companies they hold, although the weightings and portfolio diversification differ substantially.

How do distributions work in ETFs?

ETF distributions are periodic payments derived from the income generated by the fund’s underlying assets. DIVB and HDV distribute dividends to shareholders, typically quarterly. Yield differences between the funds reflect variations in their portfolio composition and income strategies.

What are the potential implications of liquidity in larger funds?

HDV’s substantial net assets of $15.6 billion enhance its liquidity, allowing for deeper trading activity. This reduces the risk of wide bid-ask spreads. In contrast, DIVB's smaller $2 billion base could result in more limited liquidity flexibility.

How do sector weights affect fund exposure?

Sector weights determine an ETF’s exposure to various market segments, impacting its performance in different economic cycles. Since both DIVB and HDV have their sector weights listed as unavailable, it is unclear how these allocations differ, which may affect transparency for investors.

What should beginners look for when comparing these ETFs?

Beginners should examine expense ratios, dividend yields, and net assets. For example, DIVB is slightly cheaper at 0.05% compared to HDV’s 0.08%, while HDV offers a higher yield of 2.99%. Evaluating these factors helps assess suitability for income-focused goals.

Are there any limitations to the comparison data?

Yes, both funds do not disclose their index methodologies or sector weights. This lack of transparency can limit the ability to assess how each fund tracks its target exposure and differentiates from competitors.

What does the term 'top holdings' mean for ETFs?

Top holdings refer to the largest positions by market value in an ETF's portfolio. For DIVB, IBM and ADP lead at 4.89% and 4.88%, respectively. For HDV, XOM and CVX dominate at 9.04% and 6.96%, highlighting a more significant concentration.

DIVB vs HDV

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) and Core High Dividend iShares (HDV) are compared on fees, holdings, dividends and market tracking. With expense ratios of 0.05% and 0.08%, yields of 2.22% and 2.99%, and net assets of $2.0 billion and $15.6 billion, this page examines their differences. Educational content, not financial advice.

iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) and Core High Dividend iShares (HDV) are compared on fees, holdings, dividends and market tracking. With expense ratios of 0.05% and 0.08%, yields of 2.22% and 2.99%, ...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

DIVB

Metric

HDV

0.05%

Expense Ratio

0.08%

2.22%

Dividend Yield

2.99%

$2.04B

Net Assets

$15.56B

384

Holdings

81

Nov 7, 2017

Inception Date

Mar 29, 2011

–

Index Tracked

–

Large Value

Fund Category

Large Value

DIVB costs about $3.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	DIVB	HDV
XOMExxonMobil Holdings Corporation	2.55%	9.04%
ABBVAbbVie Inc.	1.84%	6.55%

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Investment Analysis

DIVB

Pros

Low expense ratio of 0.05% supports net return efficiency.
Diversified top-ten holdings limit single-stock concentration risk.
Moderate dividend yield of 2.22% enhances income generation potential.

Considerations

Younger fund age with 2017 inception may raise operational track record concerns.
Smaller net assets of $2 billion could limit liquidity flexibility.
Index methodology and sector weights are currently unavailable for transparency assessment.

HDV

Pros

Higher dividend yield of 2.99% provides greater income generation opportunities.
Substantial net assets of $15.6 billion support enhanced liquidity and trading depth.
Longer inception date of 2011 demonstrates a more established operational track record.

Considerations

Expense ratio of 0.08% reduces net returns relative to lower-cost options.
Elevated concentration in top holdings, including 9.04% in ExxonMobil, increases single-stock risk.
Index methodology and sector weights are not disclosed, limiting transparency for assessment.

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About DIVB and HDV

DIVB (DIVB)

iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying companies. It is designed for those looking for income and broad equity exposure in a single, tradeable instrument. The fund typically holds a mix of companies across sectors that historically pay dividends, aiming to smooth income streams compared with individual stocks. Investors should note that dividend payments are not guaranteed and can fluctuate with company earnings and economic conditions. As an ETF, DIVB offers intraday liquidity and may be more cost-effective and tax-efficient than holding multiple individual equities, though fees and tracking error can affect returns. Market capitalisation data for the ETF is not provided here. This summary is for general educational purposes only and is not personalised investment advice. Always consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon and seek independent advice if unsure, as values can rise or fall and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

HDV (HDV)

iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that targets higher-yielding, primarily US large‑cap companies selected for dividend sustainability and financial strength. It offers investors a focused route to regular income through dividend distributions while still exposing them to equity market movements and potential capital growth. Compared with broad-market ETFs, HDV typically holds fewer holdings and may show sector or style concentration, which can amplify both returns and risks. Dividend levels depend on company payouts and can fall or stop entirely; past distributions do not guarantee future income. Fees, index rules and market conditions all influence outcomes. This information is general and educational, not personalised financial advice. Investors should consider their objectives, risk tolerance and seek professional advice where appropriate before investing.

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DIVB vs HDV

Fund Snapshot