AVDE Is Up 43% Over the Past Year and Still Paying Growing Dividends

Core Viewpoint - Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) has experienced a 43% increase over the past year while also significantly growing its dividend payouts, raising questions about the sustainability of its distribution yield of 2.19% [1]. Group 1: Income Generation - AVDE is a passively managed fund that invests in international companies across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America, relying solely on dividends from its holdings for income [1]. - The fund has $13.1 billion in net assets, a low expense ratio of 0.23%, and a portfolio turnover rate of just 3%, indicating a buy-and-hold investment strategy [1]. Group 2: Distribution History - AVDE's annual payouts have consistently increased since its inception, growing from $0.93 in 2020 to $2.02 in 2024, more than doubling in four years [1]. - The June 2025 payment of $1.2479 per share marked a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, continuing the upward trend in distributions [1]. Group 3: Portfolio Risks - The fund's income is heavily dependent on the performance of European financial institutions and global energy companies, with significant holdings in banks like HSBC, Barclays, BBVA, and Santander [1]. - A favorable yield curve environment, indicated by a 10Y-2Y spread of 0.60%, supports the net interest margins of these banks, which is a positive sign for income sustainability [1]. - The fund's geographic diversification across multiple countries mitigates single-country risk, while its low turnover suggests a conservative approach to yield generation [1]. Group 4: Total Return Context - AVDE's price has increased by 10.9% year-to-date in 2026, attributed to a weaker dollar, recovering European equity valuations, and strong performance from its financial sector holdings [1]. - Over the past year, the fund's total return, combining income and capital appreciation, has been substantial, highlighting that the 2.19% yield does not fully capture its overall contribution to a portfolio [1]. Group 5: Verdict - The sustainability of AVDE's distribution appears strong, supported by six years of consistent and mostly growing payouts, a diversified portfolio, and a favorable macroeconomic environment for its key sectors [1].