VPU ETF — Vanguard Utilities ETF

Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU)

Updated October 12, 2026.

VPU is a low-cost ETF that tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. its distribution rate is 2.79%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.89%, its expense ratio is 0.09%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 96/100 (Safe). Total return is 660.1% over the past 22.7 years, 278.1 points behind SPY at 938.2%.

Vanguard Utilities ETF is an ETF that tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, holding a broad range of large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies in the utilities sector weighted to match the index. The fund offers a modest current distribution rate with quarterly distributions and carries a low expense ratio of 0.09%. It appeals to income-focused investors seeking broad exposure to the utilities sector with minimal fees.

VPU performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-12.

Total return is 660.1% over the past 22.7 years, 278.1 points behind SPY at 938.2%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is -5.3%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 15.6%.

VPU key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

96 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.68%

Issuer

Vanguard

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

01/26/2004

Expense ratio

0.09%

Distribution rate

2.79%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.89%

Last close

$180.12 (stale; as of 2026-10-12)

AUM

$8,006,842,966

Market cap

$5,347,119,104

Average volume

234987.0

Dividend

$1.258

Ex-dividend date

09/23/2026

Payment date

09/25/2026

Beta

0.42

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (2.79%) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield (2.89%) 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: Vanguard or company page; Index: MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 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.

VPU risks and drawbacks

VPU'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 15.6%.

Who may consider VPU — and who may not

VPU may suit someone looking for low-cost broad dividend exposure, a high Distribution Safety Score, moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (VPU 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 VPU

VPU vs similar funds:

• VPU vs XLU

Frequently asked questions

More securities from Vanguard.