IBB ETF — iShares Biotechnology ETF

iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB)

Updated October 16, 2026.

IBB is an ETF that tracks the ICE Biotechnology Index. its distribution rate is 0.02%, its trailing-12-month yield is 0.17%, its expense ratio is 0.44%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 84/100 (Safe). Total return is 526.5% over the past 25.7 years, 290.1 points behind SPY at 816.6%.

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

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 526.5% over the past 25.7 years, 290.1 points behind SPY at 816.6%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 31.9%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 9.6%.

IBB key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

84 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

0.02%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

02/05/2001

Expense ratio

0.44%

Distribution rate

0.02%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

0.17%

Last close

$201.99 (stale; as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$10,514,771,181

Market cap

$11,780,694,016

Average volume

1762600.0

Dividend

$0.011

Ex-dividend date

09/15/2026

Payment date

09/18/2026

Beta

0.7

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (0.02%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (0.17%) 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; 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

IBB may suit someone looking for a high Distribution Safety Score. 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.

More on IBB

• All tickers starting with I

Tagged: Basket, Healthcare, Index.

Compare IBB

IBB vs similar funds:

• IBB vs XLV
• IBB vs XBI

Frequently asked questions

More securities from iShares.