VYM vs. NOBL: Which Dividend-Focused ETF Delivers a Higher Yield and Lower Fees?

Core Insights - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) offers lower costs, slightly higher yield, and larger assets under management compared to the ProShares - S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) [1][4] - VYM targets high-yielding companies broadly, while NOBL focuses on S&P 500 stocks with a minimum of 25 consecutive years of dividend increases [2] Cost & Size Comparison - VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04%, significantly lower than NOBL's 0.35% [3][4] - As of February 4, 2026, VYM's one-year return is 15.6%, compared to NOBL's 11.2% [3] - VYM offers a dividend yield of 2.3%, while NOBL provides a yield of 2.0% [3][4] - VYM has assets under management (AUM) of $75.0 billion, compared to NOBL's $11.9 billion [3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VYM experienced a maximum drawdown of 15.83%, while NOBL had a drawdown of 17.92% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in VYM would have grown to $1,616 over five years, compared to $1,396 for NOBL [5] Portfolio Composition - NOBL consists of 70 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, with sector weights emphasizing Industrials (24%), Consumer Defensive (21%), and Financial Services (13%) [6] - The largest positions in NOBL include Amcor Plc, Pepsico Inc, and Ww Grainger Inc, each under 2% of assets, reflecting an equally weighted approach [6] - VYM holds a broader portfolio of 589 high-yielding U.S. stocks, with top sectors being Financial Services (21%), Technology (18%), and Healthcare (13%) [7] - Major holdings in VYM include Broadcom Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and Exxon Mobil Corp, indicating a less concentrated portfolio [7] Implications for Investors - Both VYM and NOBL are viable options for investors interested in dividend stocks, each with distinct characteristics [8]