SDY ETF — SPDR S&P Dividend ETF

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY)

Updated October 2, 2026.

SDY is an ETF that tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. its distribution rate is 2.49%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.56%, its expense ratio is 0.35%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 95/100 (Safe). Total return is 475.2% over the past 20.9 years, 341.4 points behind SPY at 816.6%.

At the current 2.49% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $249 per year, or about $62.25 per quarter if the next payment matches the last regular one.

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF is an equity fund that tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index, holding the highest-yielding large- and mid-cap stocks from the S&P Composite 1500 that have increased their dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years. The fund offers a modest current distribution rate paid quarterly, with a low expense ratio of 0.35%. It appeals to income-focused investors seeking exposure to established dividend-paying companies with a demonstrated commitment to dividend growth.

SDY performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-02.

Total return is 475.2% over the past 20.9 years, 341.4 points behind SPY at 816.6%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 8.3%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 7.7%.

SDY key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

95 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.37%

Issuer

State Street

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

11/08/2005

Expense ratio

0.35%

Distribution rate

2.49%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.56%

Last close

$147.57 (as of 2026-10-02)

AUM

$20,669,961,510

Average volume

167300.0

Last dividend

$0.917

Last ex-dividend date

09/21/2026

Last payment date

09/23/2026

Beta

0.55

P/E ratio

18.8047

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (2.49%) 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 (2.56%) 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. 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: State Street or company page; Index: S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats 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.

SDY risks and drawbacks

SDY'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 7.7%.

Who may consider SDY — and who may not

SDY may suit someone looking for a high Distribution Safety Score, moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (SDY 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 SDY

SDY vs similar funds:

• SDY vs VIG
• SDY vs SCHD
• SDY vs NOBL

Frequently asked questions

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