Focus on quality U.S. companies with consistent dividend payments
SCHD is Schwab's U.S. Dividend Equity ETF — a fund that focuses on about 100 high-quality U.S. companies with a track record of consistently paying and growing their dividends. Think Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Pfizer, and Broadcom.
With an expense ratio of 0.06%, SCHD offers a strategy focused on dividend income and quality at a very low cost. It's become one of the most popular ETFs for investors seeking both growth and income.
SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which selects companies based on financial strength, dividend yield, dividend growth rate, and return on equity. Only companies with at least 10 consecutive years of dividend payments are eligible.
This quality screening means SCHD avoids "dividend traps" — companies with high yields that might cut their dividends. The result is a portfolio of financially strong companies that reward shareholders.
Expense ratio: 0.06%
Holdings: ~100 high-quality dividend stocks
Dividend yield: Approximately 3.3–3.8% (higher than S&P 500)
Quarterly dividend payments
SCHD has delivered competitive total returns since its inception in 2011, often matching or slightly trailing the S&P 500 in total return while providing significantly higher dividend income. Its dividend has grown at roughly 12% per year, well above inflation.
During market downturns, SCHD has tended to fall less than growth-heavy indexes because dividend-paying companies are often more financially stable. This makes it attractive for investors who want smoother returns.
Dividends accounted for roughly 40% of the S&P 500's total return over the past century. Reinvesting dividends can dramatically accelerate your wealth building.
Higher dividend yield than broad market indexes
Quality screening avoids weak companies
Strong dividend growth track record
Lower volatility than growth-focused funds
Very low 0.06% expense ratio
Concentrated in ~100 stocks (less diversified than VTI)
Underperforms during strong tech/growth rallies
No exposure to non-dividend-paying growth companies
Sector-heavy in financials, healthcare, and industrials
Dividends are taxable in non-retirement accounts
SCHD appeals to investors who value income and quality alongside growth potential.
Income seekers: If you want higher quarterly dividend payments than broad market funds provide.
Quality-focused investors: The screening process ensures you own financially strong companies.
Retirees and pre-retirees: Growing dividend income can supplement other retirement income sources.
Understand the role: SCHD works as a complement to or partial replacement for broad market funds like VOO or VTI.
Consider tax implications: Qualified dividends are taxed at lower rates, but consider holding SCHD in a tax-advantaged account if possible.
Buy SCHD: Available commission-free at Schwab and most other major brokerages.
Reinvest dividends: Enable DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) to automatically reinvest dividends for compound growth.