ESML ETF — iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML)

Updated October 16, 2026.

ESML is a low-cost ETF. its distribution rate is 1.16%, its trailing-12-month yield is 0.97%, its expense ratio is 0.17%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 93/100 (Safe). Total return is 124.2% over the past 8.5 years, 102.2 points behind SPY at 226.4%.

iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF tracks a modified version of the MSCI USA Small Cap Index, tilting its holdings toward U.S. small-cap companies with stronger environmental, social, and governance characteristics while maintaining broad market exposure. The fund carries a modest current distribution rate and pays distributions quarterly, with an expense ratio of 0.17%. It appeals to income-focused investors seeking small-cap equity exposure with an ESG orientation.

ESML performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 124.2% over the past 8.5 years, 102.2 points behind SPY at 226.4%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 16.6%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 9.0%.

ESML key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

93 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

1.08%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

04/10/2018

Expense ratio

0.17%

Distribution rate

1.16%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

0.97%

Last close

$51.90 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$2,760,936,621

Average volume

77368.0

Dividend

$0.151

Ex-dividend date

09/15/2026

Payment date

09/18/2026

Beta

1.15

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (1.16%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (0.97%) is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: iShares; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

ESML risks and drawbacks

ESML's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 9.0%.

Who may consider ESML — and who may not

ESML may suit someone looking for low-cost broad dividend exposure, a high Distribution Safety Score. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (ESML pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on ESML

• All tickers starting with E

Tagged: Small Caps.

Frequently asked questions

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