What do the expense ratios of LVHD and SPHD indicate about their ongoing costs?

The expense ratio represents the annual fee deducted from fund assets. LVHD has a lower expense ratio of 0.27% compared to SPHD's 0.30%. While a 0.03% difference appears small, it accumulates over time. Lower fees can potentially enhance net returns, all else being equal. Investors should compare these ratios alongside other costs like bid-ask spreads to assess the total cost of ownership for each fund.

How do the category classifications of these funds differ?

LVHD is classified as Mid-Cap Value, targeting mid-sized companies with value characteristics. SPHD is classified as Large Value, focusing on large-cap stocks with value traits. This distinction means LVHD may have different risk and growth profiles compared to SPHD due to the size of its underlying companies. Understanding these categories helps investors assess how each fund fits within a diversified portfolio structure.

What does 'Index focus not available' mean for these ETFs?

The data indicates that the specific indexes tracked by LVHD and SPHD are not available in the current dataset. Index methodology defines how stocks are selected and weighted, impacting risk and return. Without this information, investors cannot directly compare how each fund replicates its benchmark or the exact criteria for inclusion. It is important to consult fund prospectuses for detailed index construction information.

How do the dividend yields of LVHD and SPHD compare?

SPHD offers a higher dividend yield of 4.95% compared to LVHD's 3.49%. A higher yield may appeal to investors prioritising current income. However, yield alone does not indicate total return or dividend sustainability. Investors should examine payout ratios and dividend history, which are not provided in the current data, to assess the reliability of these income streams over the long term.

What are the top holdings for LVHD and SPHD?

LVHD's top holdings include JNJ (2.91%), KO (2.89%), VZ (2.80%), and CVX (2.76%). SPHD's top holdings feature PFE (3.46%), VZ (3.33%), and GIS (3.06%). Both funds hold VZ, highlighting a shared exposure to Verizon. The specific holdings reveal differences in sector exposure and individual company risk. JNJ and KO in LVHD suggest defensive consumer staples weighting, while PFE and GIS in SPHD indicate healthcare and consumer staples exposure.

How does fund size (net assets) impact liquidity for these ETFs?

SPHD has $3.3 billion in net assets, significantly larger than LVHD's $609 million. Larger asset bases generally support better trading liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, reducing transaction costs for investors. While LVHD's $609 million is sufficient for standard retail trading, SPHD's scale may offer advantages for institutional investors or those executing larger trades within the ETF market without impacting the price significantly.

What is the shared top-10 holding between LVHD and SPHD?

Verizon (VZ) appears in the top-10 holdings of both funds. In LVHD, VZ is the third-largest holding at 2.80%. In SPHD, VZ is the second-largest holding at 3.33%. This overlap indicates that both low-volatility high-dividend strategies recognise value in VZ. However, the differing weights show distinct portfolio construction approaches between the two ETFs, reflecting their specific index methodologies and market capitalisation constraints.

Do the inception dates of LVHD and SPHD matter?

LVHD was established on December 29, 2015, while SPHD was launched earlier, on October 18, 2012. SPHD has a longer operating history, potentially offering more data on its performance across various market cycles. LVHD is a younger fund. Inception dates help contextualise the track record available for analysis, though past performance of either fund does not guarantee future results. Longer history can provide more insight into manager consistency.

How do sector weights differ between LVHD and SPHD?

The data states that sector weights for both LVHD and SPHD are not available. Sector allocation significantly influences an ETF's risk profile and correlation with economic trends. Without this detail, investors cannot fully assess how these funds distribute exposure across industries like technology, healthcare, or financials. To compare sector diversification accurately, one must refer to the official fund documentation where this specific data is disclosed.

Which investing goal might align with SPHD's characteristics?

SPHD's higher dividend yield of 4.95% and Large Value classification may align with investors seeking income generation and exposure to established large-cap companies. The focus on high dividend stocks appeals to those prioritising cash flow. However, the higher single-stock risk in top holdings like PFE suggests concentration. This fund suits strategies balancing income needs with large-cap value equity exposure, subject to individual risk tolerance.

Why might an investor consider LVHD's Mid-Cap Value profile?

LVHD's Mid-Cap Value category suggests exposure to smaller companies relative to SPHD, potentially offering different growth prospects and volatility characteristics. Its lower expense ratio of 0.27% may appeal to cost-conscious investors. The yield of 3.49% is moderate. This fund might suit those seeking dividend income from mid-cap firms, balancing cost efficiency with the potential for capital appreciation inherent in mid-sized, value-oriented businesses.

What disclaimer applies to this ETF comparison?

This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Figures regarding expense ratios, yields, assets, and holdings are based on provided data and may change. Investors should conduct independent due diligence, consult fund prospectuses, and consider their own financial situation and risk tolerance before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

LVHD vs SPHD

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

Compare Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) and PowerShares S&P 500 High Div Low Vol ETF (SPHD). Review fees, holdings, dividends and market tracking. LVHD: 0.27% expense ratio, 3.49% yield, $609m assets. SPHD: 0.30% expense ratio, 4.95% yield, $3.3b assets. Index focus not available. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

LVHD

Metric

SPHD

0.27%

Expense Ratio

0.30%

3.49%

Dividend Yield

4.95%

$609.35M

Net Assets

$3.32B

117

Holdings

Dec 29, 2015

Inception Date

Oct 18, 2012

–

Index Tracked

–

Mid-Cap Value

Fund Category

Large Value

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

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	LVHD	SPHD
VZVerizon Communications Inc.	2.80%	3.33%
MOAltria Group, Inc.	2.64%	2.64%

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Investment Analysis

LVHD

Pros

LVHD offers a lower expense ratio at 0.27 per cent compared to SPHD's 0.30 per cent.
The fund provides broad diversification through top holdings including JNJ and KO without extreme concentration.
With $609 million in net assets, LVHD maintains sufficient liquidity for standard institutional and retail trading.

Considerations

LVHD's dividend yield of 3.49 per cent is significantly lower than SPHD's 4.95 per cent.
The category classification as Mid-Cap Value may limit suitability for investors seeking large-cap exposure.
Index methodology and sector weights data are not available, reducing transparency on underlying holdings.

SPHD

Pros

SPHD delivers a higher dividend yield of 4.95 per cent, attractive to income-focused investors.
The $3.3 billion in net assets supports superior trading liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads.
Focus on Large Value equities via PFE and VZ appeals to core portfolio allocation strategies.

Considerations

SPHD's 0.30 per cent expense ratio represents a higher ongoing cost relative to competing ETFs.
Top holding weights such as PFE at 3.46 per cent indicate elevated single-stock risk exposure.
Availability of sector weights and index methodology remains not available, hindering comparative analysis.

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About LVHD and SPHD

LVHD (LVHD)

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) is an exchange-traded fund that aims to track an index of US-listed companies selected for relatively high dividend yields and lower realised volatility. The fund blends an income orientation with a defensive tilt, favouring stocks that historically show steadier price behaviour while offering above-average distributions. As an ETF, LVHD provides intraday liquidity and transparent holdings, but it is subject to fees, tracking error and the usual market risks—dividends and capital values can fall as well as rise. Market capitalisation is not applicable to the ETF itself; consult the fund factsheet for current yield, expense ratio and top holdings. LVHD may suit investors seeking a tilt toward income with potentially smoother returns, but this is general educational information and not personal financial advice—suitability depends on your circumstances and investment objectives.

SPHD (SPHD)

PowerShares S&P 500 High Div Low Vol ETF (SPHD) is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide exposure to S&P 500 companies with relatively high dividend yields and lower historical price volatility. The fund typically holds a concentrated basket of large-cap US stocks selected for income and stability, and it rebalances periodically to maintain its target characteristics. Investors often consider SPHD for income generation within an equity sleeve, but dividend payments and share prices can fluctuate and are not guaranteed. The ETF may be overweight in income-sensitive sectors such as utilities, real estate and consumer staples, which can affect performance during different market cycles. This information is general and educational, not personalised financial advice; suitability depends on your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance.

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LVHD vs SPHD

Fund Snapshot