VIG vs VYM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 12, 2026, VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. VYM offers the higher yield at 2.32%, VIG has the higher dividend-safety score, and VYM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 65% below its share price).
Key facts: VIG vs VYM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 12, 2026, Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.32%, versus 1.53% for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG).
- As of Oct 12, 2026, SmarterDividends grades VIG's dividend safety B (76/100) and VYM's C (63/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 12, 2026, VIG has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and VYM for 15.
- As of Oct 12, 2026, VIG's fair-value estimate is 68% below its share price and VYM's fair-value estimate is 65% below its share price, so VYM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "VIG vs VYM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 12, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/vig-vs-vym
VIGVanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares
VYMVanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF SharesWinner| Metric | VIG | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.53% | 2.32% |
| Annual dividend | $3.65 | $3.68 |
| Payout ratio | — | — |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.1% | 3.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 46% | 46% |
| Dividend safety score | 76 (B) | 63 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $77.52 | $55.33 |
| Upside to fair value | -68% | -65% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | — | — |
| P/E ratio | 25.1 | 19.9 |
Higher yield
VYM
2.32%
Safer dividend
VIG
Grade B
Faster growth
VIG
9.1%
Better value
VYM
-65% upside
VIG vs VYM — FAQ
Is VIG or VYM a better dividend stock?
On the data, VYM wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). VYM offers the higher yield (2.32%), while VIG has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, VIG or VYM?
VYM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.32%, versus 1.53% for VIG.
Is VIG or VYM safer?
VIG has the higher dividend-safety score (76/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is VIG or VYM better value right now?
As of Oct 12, 2026, VYM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 65% below its share price (overvalued). For VIG, its fair-value estimate is 68% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.