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ETF Comparison

SCHD vs O: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF and Realty Income Corporation covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Data updated June 29, 2026

Schwab
ETFs34
Total AUM$574B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

Schwab is known for offering low-cost, broad-based ETFs that serve both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies. Their 33-fund lineup spans multiple asset classes including bonds, equities, international markets, digital assets, and factor-based strategies, with a notable emphasis on dividend-focused funds like SCHD alongside core index options. The issuer emphasizes accessibility for individual investors through competitive expense ratios and a diverse range of fund families designed to support various investment objectives.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SCHD.

See all Schwab ETFs
Realty Income
ETFs1
Total AUM—

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

Realty Income is known as "The Monthly Dividend Company" for its focus on providing consistent income streams to investors through real estate investments. The company operates a single ETF (ticker: O) that falls within the income fund family, designed to deliver regular monthly dividend payments. With its concentrated fund lineup and emphasis on commercial real estate holdings, Realty Income serves investors seeking predictable cash flow generation rather than capital appreciation.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on O.

See all Realty Income ETFs

Side-by-side snapshot

SCHDO
Full nameSchwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETFRealty Income Corporation
IssuerSchwabRealty Income
Last Close$32.09 as of June 29, 2026$63.12 as of June 29, 2026
Distribution yield3.15%5.24%
Distribution Safety Score100100
Expense ratio0.06%—
AUM$95.2B—
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyMonthly
Underlying indexDow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index—
ObjectiveSeeks to track as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which measures the performance of high dividend yielding stocks issued by U.S. companies with a record of consistently paying dividends, selected for fundamental strength relative to their peers based on financial ratios.A real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. Known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," Realty Income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth.
Asset classEquityReal Estate
Inception date10/20/2011N/A
Beta0.590.734
Last dividend$0.2525$0.2710
Ex-dividend date06/24/202606/30/2026

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Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Quick verdict

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) is an ETF, while O (Realty Income Corporation) is a real estate investment trust — they take fundamentally different approaches.

O offers the higher yield at 5.24% vs 3.15% for SCHD. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, SCHD would generate roughly $26.25/month, while O would produce $43.67/month, at current distribution rates.

SCHD yield3.15%
O yield5.24%
Monthly diff on $10K$17.42

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, SCHD would cost approximately $60 in fees vs $0 for O (simplified, not compounded). The $60.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

SCHD ER0.06%
O ER—

Strategy & risk

SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index with a basket approach, while O is a real estate investment trust. Beta is 0.59 for SCHD and 0.734 for O, indicating SCHD is less volatile relative to the market.

SCHD beta0.59
O beta0.734

Fund details

SCHD is managed by Schwab (launched 10/20/2011) with $95.2B in assets. O is managed by Realty Income (launched 10/18/1994) with — in assets.

SCHD AUM$95.2B
O AUM—
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Frequently asked questions

Is SCHD or O better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. O currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.

What is the difference between SCHD and O?

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index with a basket approach, while O (Realty Income Corporation) is a real estate investment trust. They are issued by Schwab and Realty Income respectively.

Can I hold both SCHD and O?

Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.

Which has lower fees, SCHD or O?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while O charges —. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in SCHD vs O generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in SCHD would generate roughly $26.25 per month ($315.00 annually). The same in O would produce about $43.67 per month ($524.00 annually).

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