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FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund

Category: Large Cap Blend Equities

Inception: 2003-08-19 Issuer: First Trust
Net Assets
$9.2B
Expense Ratio
0.60 %
# of Holdings
224
Average Daily Volume
691.8K

Fund Overview

The First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) is an ETF that seeks to track the performance of the Value Line Dividend Index. This index is designed to measure the performance of companies that exhibit above-average dividend yields and are expected to maintain or increase their dividends over time. FVD provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of U.S. equities with a focus on dividend-paying stocks, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors. The fund is rebalanced quarterly to ensure it maintains its target allocations and adheres to the index methodology. FVD is suitable for investors seeking a combination of dividend income and potential capital appreciation.
Asset Class
Equity
Industry
N/A
Annual Dividend Rate
Smart Beta
Yes
Leveraged / Inverse
N/A / No
Dividend Quality - Yield
 - 2.42 %
Currency Hedged
No
Portfolio Turnover
73 %
Dividend Date

Why Invest in the FVD ETF?

Potential Benefits

  • Provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of high-dividend-yielding U.S. stocks.
  • Focuses on companies with a history of maintaining or increasing dividends, offering potential for stable income.
  • Quarterly rebalancing helps maintain alignment with the index and target allocations.
  • Lower expense ratio compared to some actively managed dividend-focused funds.
  • Suitable for investors seeking both income and long-term capital appreciation.

Potential Risks

  • Dividend-paying stocks may underperform during periods of rising interest rates.
  • Concentration in certain sectors (e.g., utilities, financials) could increase sector-specific risks.
  • Market volatility may impact the fund's performance, even for dividend-paying stocks.
  • Dividends are not guaranteed and can be cut or suspended by underlying companies.
  • Limited exposure to growth-oriented stocks, which may lag in bull markets.

Performance

1 Week 1 Month 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years YTD 2025 2024 Since Inception
-0.95% -5.69% +4.77% +37.26% +33.40% +3.67% +8.63% +9.66% +650.15%

Performance


Monthly Returns (%)

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2026 +3.9% +4.6% -5.6% +2.1% -1.6% +2.6% +4.1% +0.1% -6.0% +0.4% - -
2025 +1.9% +1.9% -1.0% -1.7% +2.1% +0.5% +0.5% +3.3% +0.1% -2.4% +3.2% -0.4%
2024 -0.8% +2.0% +3.3% -3.4% +2.5% -1.8% +6.2% +3.5% +2.1% -1.9% +4.6% -6.0%
2023 +2.5% -2.9% +1.7% +1.1% -4.8% +4.4% +1.9% -4.1% -4.0% -1.9% +6.2% +4.8%
2022 -2.9% -2.2% +4.0% -4.2% +1.6% -5.3% +4.8% -3.0% -8.8% +8.4% +6.9% -3.1%
2021 -1.5% +2.1% +8.1% +3.8% +2.3% -0.9% +1.9% +2.1% -4.9% +5.1% -2.5% +7.8%
2020 -0.5% -9.5% -14.1% +7.6% +3.1% -0.5% +4.2% +2.4% -2.2% -0.1% +10.0% +2.1%
2019 +6.9% +3.3% +1.6% +3.0% -3.7% +5.3% +0.9% -0.7% +3.8% +0.5% +1.6% +1.8%
2018 +1.8% -5.1% +0.7% -0.1% +0.8% +1.2% +4.0% +1.0% 0.0% -3.5% +3.8% -7.6%
2017 +0.7% +3.6% -0.3% +0.1% +1.0% +0.3% +1.3% -0.9% +1.7% +1.5% +2.9% 0.0%
< -5% -5% to -2% -2% to 0% 0% 0% to +2% +2% to +5% > +5%

Top Holdings (by weight)

Symbol Company Name Weight
UNH UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC 0.5 %
BAH BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON HOLDING CORP CLASS A 0.5 %
LMT LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP 0.5 %
CWT CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP 0.5 %
JJSF J&J SNACK FOODS CORP 0.5 %
KR THE KROGER CO 0.5 %
ED CONSOLIDATED EDISON INC 0.5 %
K KELLANOVA 0.5 %
CPK CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORP 0.5 %
KO COCA-COLA CO 0.5 %
Top 10 holdings shown, out of 224 total holdings.

Related ETFs: FVD vs Peers

ETF Full Name Expense Ratio Net Assets Holdings Asset Class
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF 0.08 % $30.4B 409 Equity
DVY iShares Select Dividend ETF 0.38 % $20B 101 Equity
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund 0.45 % $5.4B 96 Equity
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF 0.08 % $11.4B 76 Equity
NOBL ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF 0.35 % $11.8B 70 Equity
PEY Invesco High Yield Equity Dividend Achievers™ ETF 0.53 % $1.2B 51 Equity
SCHD Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF 0.06 % $70.8B 101 Equity
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF 0.35 % $20.1B 151 Equity
SPYD SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF 0.07 % $6.9B 79 Equity
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index ETF 0.06 % $73.3B 530 Equity
Comparison highlights key differences on cost, coverage, and focus within sector ETFs.

Investment Strategy

FVD tracks the Value Line Dividend Index, which selects U.S. companies with above-average dividend yields and a history of maintaining or increasing dividends. The index employs a proprietary screening process to identify financially stable companies with strong dividend sustainability. The fund is passively managed and holds a diversified portfolio of common stocks across various sectors. FVD is rebalanced quarterly to ensure it remains aligned with the index's methodology, which emphasizes dividend consistency and yield. The fund primarily invests in large- and mid-cap stocks, providing broad exposure to the U.S. equity market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dividend yield of FVD?

FVD's dividend yield varies based on the underlying holdings and market conditions, but it typically offers a yield competitive with other dividend-focused ETFs.

How often does FVD pay dividends?

FVD pays dividends quarterly, aligning with the distribution schedules of its underlying holdings.

Does FVD invest in international stocks?

No, FVD focuses exclusively on U.S.-listed companies that meet the criteria of the Value Line Dividend Index.

What sectors are most represented in FVD?

FVD's holdings are diversified across sectors, but it often has significant exposure to utilities, financials, and consumer staples due to their dividend-paying nature.

Is FVD suitable for growth investors?

FVD is primarily designed for income-seeking investors, though it may also offer some capital appreciation potential over the long term.

Industry Overview

The First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) is part of the dividend-focused ETF category, which attracts investors seeking income and relative stability. Dividend ETFs like FVD are particularly popular among retirees and conservative investors who prioritize steady cash flow. The fund's focus on companies with sustainable dividends aligns with the broader trend of income investing in a low-yield environment. FVD's strategy of tracking the Value Line Dividend Index provides a systematic approach to selecting high-quality dividend payers, making it a compelling option for those looking to balance income and growth.

Alternative Comparison

Compared to peers like VYM and SCHD, FVD offers a unique approach by tracking the Value Line Dividend Index, which emphasizes dividend sustainability rather than just high yield. While VYM and SCHD also focus on dividend-paying stocks, FVD's methodology may result in a slightly different sector allocation and risk profile. FVD's expense ratio is competitive with other dividend ETFs, making it a cost-effective choice for income investors. Unlike some dividend ETFs that weight holdings by market cap, FVD's index methodology may lead to a more balanced exposure across its holdings.

Issuer Overview

First Trust is a well-established asset manager known for its innovative ETF and mutual fund offerings. The firm specializes in thematic and factor-based strategies, including dividend-focused, growth, and value investments. First Trust's ETFs are designed to provide targeted exposure to specific market segments, often leveraging proprietary or third-party indices. The issuer's commitment to research-driven strategies and investor education has made it a trusted name in the ETF space.

Conclusion

The First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) is a compelling option for investors seeking a diversified portfolio of high-quality dividend-paying stocks. Its focus on companies with sustainable dividends and quarterly rebalancing provides a disciplined approach to income investing. While FVD carries typical equity market risks, its strategy aligns well with long-term income and growth objectives. Investors should consider their risk tolerance and income needs when evaluating FVD alongside other dividend-focused ETFs.

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