DIVL vs VYM
Madison Dividend Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $63M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.78% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.73% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.01% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Madison Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 14, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DIVL vs VYM Performance
Madison Dividend Value ETF (DIVL) is a ETF from Madison Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVL returned +16.01% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, DIVL is up 11.73% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, DIVL compounded at +11.11% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, DIVL has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.8% for DIVL. 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 -14.1% for DIVL and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVL charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVL currently yields 1.78% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DIVL and VYM share 35 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVL or VYM?
DIVL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVL or VYM?
Over the past year DIVL returned +16.01% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DIVL annualized +11.11% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.8% for DIVL. Worst drawdown: DIVL -14.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DIVL and VYM?
DIVL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVL and VYM?
DIVL and VYM share 35 common holdings with a 31.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVL or VYM?
DIVL yields 1.78% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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