BUI vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBUIVOOWinner
Expense Ratio1.07%0.03%
AUM$732M$979.0B
Dividend Yield9.56%1.09%
Holdings52509
YTD Return+7.81%+13.80%
1Y Return+11.13%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.70%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.13%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)16.6%14.1%
Max Drawdown-48.3%-34.3%
Fund FamilyBlackRock, Inc. (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 23, 2011Sep 7, 2010

BUI vs VOO Performance

BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (BUI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUI is up 7.81% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, BUI compounded at +15.70% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BUI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -48.3% for BUI and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BUI charges 1.07% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $3 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUI currently yields 9.56% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

2.7%overlap

BUI and VOO share 24 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BUIWeight in VOODifference
NEE7.30%0.28%7.02%
WMB4.18%0.14%4.04%
DUK4.12%0.15%3.97%
SOProProPro
UNPProProPro
AEPProProPro
TRGPProProPro
SREProProPro
ETRProProPro
DProProPro
See all 10 holdings BUI shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BUI or VOO?

BUI has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BUI or VOO?

Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BUI annualized +4.78% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BUI or VOO?

BUI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BUI -48.3% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both BUI and VOO?

BUI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BUI and VOO?

BUI and VOO share 24 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUI or VOO?

BUI yields 9.56% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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