SmarterDividends

VIG vs VYM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Nov 2, 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 2.25%, VIG has the higher dividend-safety score, and VYM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 66% below its share price).

Key facts: VIG vs VYM

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 2, 2026, Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.25%, versus 1.47% for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG).
  • As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades VIG's dividend safety B (76/100) and VYM's C (63/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, VIG has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and VYM for 15.
  • As of Nov 2, 2026, VIG's fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price and VYM's fair-value estimate is 66% 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 Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/vig-vs-vym

MetricVIGVYM
Forward yield1.47%2.25%
Annual dividend$3.65$3.68
Payout ratio——
Years of growth16 yr15 yr
5-yr dividend growth9.1%3.8%
5-yr total return53%55%
Dividend safety score76 (B)63 (C)
Fair value estimate$77.52$55.33
Upside to fair value-69%-66%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap——
P/E ratio25.920.5

Higher yield

VYM

2.25%

Safer dividend

VIG

Grade B

Faster growth

VIG

9.1%

Better value

VYM

-66% 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 (2.25%), 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 2.25%, versus 1.47% 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 Nov 2, 2026, VYM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 66% below its share price (overvalued). For VIG, its fair-value estimate is 69% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.