DIVS vs VOO
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $41M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.56% | +13.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.71% | +19.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.02% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.56% | +12.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DIVS vs VOO Performance
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVS returned +15.71% while VOO returned +19.96%. Year to date, DIVS is up 13.56% versus a gain of 13.25% for VOO.
Over three years, DIVS compounded at +14.02% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.56% and +12.81% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.49% annualized vs +11.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.9% for DIVS. 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 -20.7% for DIVS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVS charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVS currently yields 2.62% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DIVS and VOO share 20 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVS or VOO?
DIVS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVS or VOO?
Over the past year DIVS returned +15.71% vs +19.96% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DIVS annualized +11.14% vs +13.49% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.9% for DIVS. Worst drawdown: DIVS -20.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DIVS and VOO?
DIVS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVS and VOO?
DIVS and VOO share 20 common holdings with a 10.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVS or VOO?
DIVS yields 2.62% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DIVS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.