QDF: Solid Factor Mix, Yet A Few Performance Disappointments, Unappealing Dividend Yield

FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund ETF offers exposure to dividend stocks screened for quality, with an emphasis put on management efficiency, profitability, and cash flow. QDF has a robust factor mix with a value tilt (i.e., the weighted average adjusted EY of 4.3%) and healthy quality characteristics, but no clear edge over IVV. QDF's performance (including risk metrics) has not been particularly impressive. Over January 2013-November 2025, it underperformed IWB and IVV by 2.15% and 2.47% in annualized return, respectively.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 6, 2025

Is FlexShares Quality Dividend ETF (QDF) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Launched on 12/14/2012, the FlexShares Quality Dividend ETF (QDF) is a smart beta exchange traded fund offering broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category of the market.

Zacks Investment Research • Nov 20, 2025

QDF: High-Quality, Moderate Approach To Dividends

QDF offers a unique blend of quality and dividend focus, with heavy tech exposure driving recent outperformance versus peers but lagging the broader market. The fund's attractive valuation, high profitability, and strong stock selection position it as a balanced option for growth and income amid upcoming rate cuts. QDF's dividend yield is higher than the broad market but lower than most dividend ETF peers, making it less ideal for pure income seekers.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 26, 2025

Invest in Quality ETFs to Tap Current Market Trends

Investors turn to high-quality ETFs like QUAL, SPHQ and JQUA to navigate volatility and preserve value amid rising geopolitical risks.

Zacks Investment Research • Jun 18, 2025

QDF: Solid Quality Dividend ETF But Still Vulnerable In Drawdowns

QDF uses a proprietary screening process to select high-quality dividend paying stocks that, as a whole, match a specific set of portfolio constraints. I estimate its dividend yield at 1.95%. Compared to similar dividend-themed ETFs like DGRW, VIG, DGRO, and CGDV, QDF's sector diversification is poor, and nearly 30% of the portfolio is allocated to tech stocks. However, the benefit is a fund that ranks well on quality, growth, and value. Even with the high tech sector exposure, QDF trades at an attractive 18.39x forward earnings.

Seeking Alpha • May 29, 2025

5 Quality ETFs for a Steady Ride in Wild Markets

Investors should focus on high-quality investing amid heightened market volatility and uncertainty.

Zacks Investment Research • Mar 21, 2025

5 Quality ETFs to Bet on Amid Volatile Markets

Quality stocks possess a sustainable competitive advantage and demonstrate consistent growth, profitability and operational excellence over time.

Zacks Investment Research • Aug 16, 2024

QDF: Better Options Out There

The FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund offers quality stocks with dividends, suitable for volatile markets or economic slowdowns. QDF replicates the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Index, focusing on US companies with strong quality characteristics and attractive dividend distributions. QDF has a large exposure to tech stocks, leading to concerns about potential volatility and low dividend yield. Comparisons with other funds show underperformance.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 18, 2024

Invest in These Quality ETFs Amid Rate Cut Uncertainty

Quality ETFs often provide a hedge against market volatility and uncertainty.

Zacks Investment Research • May 28, 2024

QDF: Quality-Heavy Dividend ETF Does Not Impress On Performance, Yield Fronts

QDF is a passively managed vehicle that targets U.S. dividend stocks with robust quality, with the key parameters assessed being management efficiency, profitability, and cash flows. After two reconstitutions since my previous note, QDF still delivers exemplary quality, with a fairly expensive valuation as the downside. Also, there is a nuanced improvement on the growth front. I remain lukewarm about QDF despite its improved growth profile, mostly because its performance is still unconvincing. Its 2.3% weighted-average dividend yield does not appeal to me as well.

Seeking Alpha • May 13, 2024