SQLT ETF — iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Quality Factor ETF

iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Quality Factor ETF (SQLT)

Updated October 16, 2026.

SQLT is a low-cost ETF that tracks the MSCI USA Small Cap Sector Neutral Quality Index. its distribution rate is 1.19%, its trailing-12-month yield is 0.50%, its expense ratio is 0.20%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 50/100 (Unproven). Total return is 7.7% over the past 0.5 years, 9.4 points behind SPY at 17.1%.

iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Quality Factor ETF is an equity ETF that tracks an index of small-cap U.S. companies selected for quality characteristics, investing at least 80% of assets in index components with the flexibility to use derivatives and cash equivalents to support tracking. The fund carries a modest expense ratio and distributes modest income with a low current distribution rate. The ETF appeals to investors seeking exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with a quality tilt, rather than broad growth or high-income strategies.

SQLT performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 7.7% over the past 0.5 years, 9.4 points behind SPY at 17.1%.

SQLT key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

50 · Unproven

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

03/31/2026

Expense ratio

0.20%

Distribution rate

1.19%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

0.50%

Last close

$27.68 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$6,723,086

Average volume

6.0

Dividend

$0.082

Ex-dividend date

09/15/2026

Payment date

09/18/2026

Beta

0.7684

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (1.19%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (0.50%) 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 or company page; Index: MSCI USA Small Cap Sector Neutral Quality 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.

SQLT risks and drawbacks

SQLT'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.

Who may consider SQLT — and who may not

SQLT may suit someone looking for low-cost broad dividend exposure. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (SQLT 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 SQLT

• All tickers starting with S

Tagged: Small Caps.

Frequently asked questions

More securities from iShares.