IBB ETF — iShares Biotechnology ETF

iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB)

IBB is an ETF that tracks the ICE Biotechnology Index. As of September 4, 2026, its distribution rate is 0.05%, its trailing-12-month yield is 0.19%, its expense ratio is 0.44%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 55/100 (Caution). Total return is 563.1% over the past 25.6 years, 263.1 points behind SPY at 826.2%.

At the current 0.05% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $5 per year, or $0.42 per month on an equivalent basis. Actual quarterly payments vary.

iShares Biotechnology ETF tracks the ICE Biotechnology Index, which comprises US-listed biotechnology companies, and aims to invest at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of that index. The fund carries a very modest distribution rate and pays distributions quarterly, with an expense ratio of 0.44%. It appeals to investors seeking broad exposure to the biotechnology sector with a low-cost, passive approach.

IBB performance versus SPY

Data as of September 4, 2026.

Total return is 563.1% over the past 25.6 years, 263.1 points behind SPY at 826.2%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 9.6%.

IBB key facts

Data as of September 4, 2026.

Distribution Safety Score™

55 · Caution

Safety-Adjusted Yield

0.03%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

02/05/2001

Expense ratio

0.44%

Distribution rate

0.05%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

0.19%

Last close

$211.92

NAV

$213.81

Premium / discount

0.88% discount

AUM

$10,641,624,627

Market cap

$11,780,694,016

Average volume

704650.0

Last dividend

$0.024

Last ex-dividend date

06/15/2026

Last payment date

06/18/2026

Beta

0.7

P/E ratio

26.7111

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (0.05%) is the latest regular payout annualized by the fund's stated frequency, divided by the last close. Issuers often publish this as “Distribution Rate” on the fact sheet. Trailing-12-month yield (0.19%) is the sum of distributions paid in the last 12 months, split-adjusted, divided by the last close. It lags a recent raise or cut. We show a 30-day SEC yield when the fund publishes one. Schwab and other issuers may report a TTM distribution yield or SEC yield on a different date — all can be valid; they are not interchangeable. 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. Figures below use Dividend Vision data as of September 4, 2026.

Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology · SEC yield

Sources and review

Data as of September 4, 2026.

Primary sources: iShares; Index: ICE Biotechnology Index; 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.

IBB risks and drawbacks

IBB'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 9.6%.

Who may consider IBB — and who may not

It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (IBB 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.

Compare IBB

IBB vs similar funds:

• IBB vs XLV
• IBB vs XBI

Frequently asked questions

More securities from iShares.