Core Insights - The ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - Small Cap Value category and was launched on February 3, 2015 [1] - The fund has accumulated over $643.67 million in assets, making it an average-sized ETF in its category [5] - SMDV seeks to match the performance of the Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index, targeting companies that have increased dividend payments for at least 10 consecutive years [5] Fund Characteristics - The annual operating expenses for SMDV are 0.40%, which is competitive within its peer group [6] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.68% [6] - The fund has a beta of 0.83 and a standard deviation of 19.57% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Sector Exposure - The ETF has the highest allocation in the Financials sector, comprising approximately 32% of the portfolio [7] - The top three sectors also include Industrials and Utilities [7] - Spartannash Co (SPTN) is the largest individual holding at about 1.31% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 9.4% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - SMDV has experienced a loss of about -2.99% year-to-date and a gain of approximately 0.91% over the past year as of August 7, 2025 [10] - The fund has traded between $58.95 and $75.88 in the past 52 weeks [10] - With around 108 holdings, SMDV effectively diversifies company-specific risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), with assets of $32.68 billion and $93.36 billion respectively [12] - DGRO has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to SMDV, while VIG has an expense ratio of 0.05% [12]

I last reviewed the ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (BATS: SMDV ) on June 3, 2024, when I recommended readers avoid it due to its unappealing factor mix and high concentration. Since that article was published, SMDV managed toThe Sunday Investor has completed all the educational requirements for the Chartered Investment Manager designation and is on track to become a licensed options and derivatives trading advisor. Focusing on U.S. Equity ETFs, The Sunday Investor maintains a comprehensive ETF ...