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SCHD vs NOBL: Head-to-Head Comparison

Last updated: March 2026Dividend

Quick Verdict

SCHD edges out NOBL with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.

SCHD: 9/10 Beginner ScoreNOBL: 8.5/10 Beginner Score

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDNOBL
Expense Ratio0.06%0.35%
AUM$62.0B$12.0B
Dividend Yield3.40%2.10%
Holdings10367
1-Year Return12.90%16.50%
5-Year Return (Ann.)12.10%9.50%
10-Year Return (Ann.)11.50%10.00%
Beta0.820.85
P/E Ratio16.821.5

Key Differences Between SCHD and NOBL

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) is a u.s. large-cap dividend fund managed by Charles Schwab. SCHD focuses on high-quality U.S. companies with strong track records of paying and growing dividends. It uses a rules-based approach to select about 100 stocks that have consistently paid dividends for at least 10 years. Beginners who want both income and growth often find SCHD attractive because it combines a solid dividend yield with quality stock selection at a very low cost.

NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) is a dividend aristocrats fund managed by ProShares. NOBL exclusively holds S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, known as Dividend Aristocrats. These elite companies have proven their ability to maintain and grow dividends through recessions and market crises. Beginners who value financial stability and consistent income will appreciate that NOBL holds only the most committed dividend growers in America.

The most notable differences are in fees (0.06% vs 0.35%), number of holdings (103 vs 67), and 5-year returns (12.10% vs 9.50%).

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Holdings Overlap Analysis

0%

Holdings Overlap

SCHD and NOBL share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.

Cost Comparison Over Time

If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):

SCHD

Fee cost: $515

NOBL

Fee cost: $2,930

Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $2,415 on a $10,000 investment. SCHD saves you more in fees over time.

Which One Should a Beginner Choose?

Choose SCHD if: You want income-focused investors who want a reliable and growing dividend stream, conservative investors who prefer lower volatility with quality companies, retirees or pre-retirees building a dividend income portfolio. It's managed by Charles Schwab with an expense ratio of 0.06%.

Choose NOBL if: You want income investors who want the most reliable and proven dividend growers, conservative equity investors seeking companies with recession-tested dividends, retirees who depend on growing dividend income to maintain purchasing power. It's managed by ProShares with an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Can You Own Both SCHD and NOBL?

Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, SCHD and NOBL complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy SCHD or NOBL?

SCHD edges out NOBL with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. SCHD is best for investors who want income-focused investors who want a reliable and growing dividend stream, while NOBL is better suited for income investors who want the most reliable and proven dividend growers.

What is the difference between SCHD and NOBL?

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap dividend investments with 103 holdings and a 0.06% expense ratio. NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) focuses on dividend aristocrats with 67 holdings at 0.35%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.

Can I own both SCHD and NOBL?

Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, SCHD and NOBL complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.