Is VAS a better investment than an ASX dividend ETF?

We see how VAS compares to two dividend-focused exchange-traded funds.

| More on:
Four investors stand in a line holding cash fanned in their hands with thoughtful looks on their faces.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Vanguard's VAS is the most popular ETF on the ASX
  • But there are also many ETFs that specialise in delivering income to investors
  • We also take a look at the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF and the iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunites ETF

Every month, it seems the dominance of the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) grows on the ASX.

As it currently stands, the VAS exchange-traded fund (ETF) has $11.04 billion in funds under management. That's more than double that of its closest index fund rival.

Clearly, ASX investors find the broad-based exposure to the ASX's 300 or so largest shares that VAS provides very useful.

But the ASX is also known for its dividends. After all, most of the largest ASX shares on the ASX 300 Index pay dividends.

That makes VAS itself a dividend-paying ETF in its own right. Its total dividend distributions over the past four quarters amounted to $4.66 per share. On current pricing (helped by VAS's big fall on Tuesday), this means those $4.66 in distributions give VAS a trailing yield of 5.58%.

That's certainly not a bad yield on paper. But the ASX is also home to many ETFs that purely focus on dividend income.

So how does VAS measure up to these other ETFs when it comes to dividends? Would income investors be better off with one of those funds instead of VAS?

Well, let's check it out.

How does the VAS ETF stack up?

Vanguard itself runs a dividend-focused ETF called the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY). Instead of 300 shares, VHY only holds 63 select dividend shares in its portfolio.

This fund's last four dividend distributions came to a total of $$3.22 per unit. That gives VHY a trailing 12-month yield of 5.06% on current pricing. That yield alone doesn't match VAS.

In terms of performance, VHY has returned 9.14% over the past 12 months (to 31 May) and an average of 8.36% per annum over the past five years. That beats out VAS, which has given investors a 4.77% return over the past 12 months and an average of 8.95% per annum over the past five years.

But this is a rather strange situation where the dividend-focused ETF offers a lower distribution yield but better long-term performance – a reversal of what conventional wisdom dictates should happen.

Let's look at another income-focused ETF and see if this trend continues.

The iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunites ETF (ASX: IHD) is a fund similar in nature to VHY. It only holds 48 ASX dividend shares at the moment and also pays out quarterly distributions. Its past four distributions came to 73.37 cents per unit. On IHD's current unit price of $12.77, that gives this ETF a distribution yield of 5.75%.

That comes in on top of all of the ETFs we've looked at today. But let's check out the performance figures here too.

IHD has returned 4.14% over the past 12 months (to 31 May). Over the past five years, it has averaged a return of 4.55% per annum.

Foolish takeaway

In conclusion, it seems that Vanguard's VHY dividend ETF has been a better investment than VAS or IHD both over the past year, and on average over the past five.

Saying that, investors chasing the highest yield above all else might have preferred the iShares IHD option for the raw yield one could obtain from that ETF.

It just goes to show that labels such as 'high yield' don't always deliver on what they might imply.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield Etf. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

a man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years

Looking to make long term investments? Then check out these ETFs.

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a rising green arrow.
ETFs

Invest $5,000 into these ASX ETFs this week

These ETFs could be great options for investors with money to put into the market.

Read more »

A bemused woman holds two presents of different sizes and colours and tries to make a choice.
ETFs

Are Westpac shares or Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY) units a better buy?

Is a major bank or a high yield fund a stronger choice?

Read more »

A happy elderly couple enjoy a cuppa outdoors as the woman looks through binoculars.
ETFs

1 excellent ASX ETF I'd buy for the ultra-long term

Just investing in great shares could lead to strong outcomes.

Read more »

a diverse groups of about twenty people stand together in a crowd staring to the front with angry and annoyed looks on their faces.
ETFs

These are the most popular ASX ETFs that Aussies are buying in 2024

Let's see which ETFs are popular among local investors in 2024.

Read more »

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknote in his hands, symbolising dividends, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

Invest $3,000 into these ASX ETFs next month

Here's what sort of stocks you would be buying with these ETFs.

Read more »

The letters ETF sit in orange on top of a chart with a magnifying glass held over the top of it
ETFs

3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy for 2025

These ETFs are highly rated by analysts. Here's what you need to know about them.

Read more »

Four young friends on a road trip smile and laugh as they sit on roof of their car.
ETFs

4 popular ASX tech ETFs smashing new all-time highs today

Do you own any of these lucky ETFs?

Read more »