Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
HDV vs SCHY
iShares Core High Dividend ETF versus Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
HDV and SCHY are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
HDV or SCHY — which is better?
Neither HDV nor SCHY wins outright — the two are nearly equivalent across all 6 dimensions, making the choice largely a matter of which account you hold them in and personal preference on yield vs stability. HDV and SCHY are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
On yield alone, SCHY generates 3.33% vs 3.05% — a 0.28% difference that translates to $280 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | HDV | SCHY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 3.05% | 3.33% | SCHY wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 8.00% | 8.00% | Tie |
| Scale | $14.5B | $2.5B | HDV wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 1 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
SCHY wins on yield (3.33% vs 3.05%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $28 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
SCHY's higher yield (3.33%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus HDV's 3.05% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (7.6/10 vs 7.3/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
Expense ratios are effectively identical
Both ETFs charge 8.00% — no meaningful cost difference over decades of compounding.
HDV is 5.8× larger by AUM
Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Full breakdown per ticker: are HDV dividends qualified and are SCHY dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice. Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
HDV or SCHY — which is better?
Neither — HDV and SCHY tie 1–1 across the six dimensions we score. HDV and SCHY are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Which is better for income, HDV or SCHY?
HDV and SCHY are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
HDV vs SCHY: which has a higher dividend yield?
HDV yields 3.05% and SCHY yields 3.33%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $28 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is HDV or SCHY a safer dividend in 2026?
HDV scores 7.6/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. SCHY scores 7.3/10 (Solid). HDV is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, HDV or SCHY?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
HDV vs SCHY: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put HDV and SCHY into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding either diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.