ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF

NOBL

Market cap $11.2B

While the Trump tariff policies have given an unprecedented boost to US business and manufacturing in particular, there are both geopolitical and domestic question marks that can rock the markets in the near future, which retirees may find unpalatable.

The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:SCHD) is one of the best-run dividend funds available.

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF has delivered average annual returns of 11% for the past 12 years. The fund holds only 69 stocks and is heavy on consumer staples, industrials, and financials.

SCHD charges a much lower fee and delivers a higher dividend yield than NOBL. NOBL tilts more toward consumer defensive and industrials, while SCHD leans heavily on energy and healthcare.

VIG costs less to own and has outperformed NOBL over the past year and five years. NOBL offers higher dividend yield and invests in companies with a strong track record of dividend raises.

Dividend Aristocrats, tracked via NOBL, outperformed SPY YTD despite a sharp March pullback, with 44 Aristocrats beating SPY and 17 posting double-digit gains. Momentum, valuation (via dividend yield theory), and projected long-term total return now guide Aristocrat selection, with 39 currently screening as undervalued and offering ≥10% expected annualized returns. Recent dividend increases from CL, GD, LIN, and O bring the 2026 average Aristocrat dividend growth rate to 3.40%, with Realty Income expected to announce further hikes throughout the year.

Discover the essential 'two qualifiers' that determine if a high-yield strategy is the right fit for your retirement goals. Learn the four-pillar framework for identifying sustainable dividends and avoiding common yield traps that lead to capital loss. Explore a diversified selection of high-income opportunities across numerous sectors of individual stocks, ETFs, and CEFs to bolster your monthly cash flow.

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) made its debut on 10/09/2013, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund that provides broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category of the market.

FDVV charges a lower expense ratio and offers a higher dividend yield than NOBL. FDVV has delivered stronger one-year and five-year total returns, but with a slightly higher maximum drawdown.

Dividend-paying stocks are closing the earnings growth gap with technology stocks in the Nasdaq 100. Strong operating performance and improving margins have helped boost profits for many companies across the market in more defensive sectors.