What Is the TBG ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The TBG Dividend Focus ETF is an actively managed dividend ETF in which the management team hand-picks US small-, mid-, and large-cap dividend growth stocks. It also holds income assets such as REITs and MLPs. Compared with passive ETFs like SCHD, VYM, and VIG, the differences in management fees and dividend strategy are the key selection criteria.
SubscribeWhat Is the TBG Dividend Focus ETF?
This is an actively managed dividend growth ETF in which the management team hand-picks US-listed small-, mid-, and large-cap companies that are likely to keep raising their dividends. It also diversifies by holding income assets such as REITs and MLPs.
Rather than tracking an index, it relies on the management team's stock selection, which suits investors who want to pursue dividend growth and income together.
It is an ETF with an active management approach, run by The Bahnsen Group.
How Does the TBG Dividend Focus ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Active management (does not track an index) |
| Management Style | Active (stock selection) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | At the management team's discretion |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly dividends |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.45% |
Using a bottom-up approach, the team selects stocks with high dividend growth potential based on criteria such as free cash flow, financial health, and management alignment. It is not tied to any particular sector and takes a sector-neutral approach. The portfolio centers on US companies and diversifies further with income assets such as REITs and MLPs.
- Active stock selection without index tracking
- Inclusion of income assets such as REITs and MLPs
TBG Dividend Focus ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $302.5M, and the total expense ratio is 0.45% per year.
Unlike passive dividend ETFs that track an index, this fund selects stocks at the management team's discretion, so it is important to consider the fee burden and the management strategy together.
TBG Dividend Focus ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeThe fund broadly follows the trend of dividend growth stocks. Depending on interest rates and the economic cycle, its defensive character can stand out, while in periods of strong growth-stock rallies it tends to move relatively moderately. Because of its active management, its results can differ from the market average.
Investor demand for dividends and income remains steady. As a relatively new active ETF, however, its fund flows tend to fluctuate with market conditions and management performance.
TBG Dividend Focus ETF Pros and Cons
Its strengths are active stock selection and the inclusion of income assets. Its weaknesses are a somewhat higher fee than passive funds and a relatively short track record.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
TBG Dividend Focus ETF Alternatives and Related Products
SCHD, VYM, and VIG, shown in the table, are lower-cost passive dividend ETFs that track an index, and they differ from the actively managed TBG in fees and management approach. As alternatives focused on dividend growth, DGRO and NOBL are also worth considering, and these likewise build their portfolios based on dividend history and growth potential.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SCHD | Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF | $35.27 | -0.4% | $118.9B | 0.06% | 2.99% | +30.5% |
 VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation FTF | $243.12 | -0.8% | $114.5B | 0.04% | 1.5% | +12.0% |
 VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF | $161.50 | -0.7% | $82.7B | 0.04% | 2.28% | +14.6% |
 DFAC | U.S. Core Equity 2 Portfolio-ETF Class Shares | $44.74 | -0.6% | $49.3B | 0.18% | 0.88% | +15.4% |
 RDVY | First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF | $78.70 | -1.2% | $25.5B | 0.47% | 0.86% | +16.8% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FAF | First American Financial Corp | 0.10% | $64.72 | -0.5% | $6.6B | 9.1 | 3.51% |
| BX | Blackstone Inc | 0.09% | $117.97 | -0.7% | $145.6B | 26.3 | 4.34% |
| MRK | Merck & Co Inc | 0.08% | $145.27 | -1.3% | $358.4B | 116.1 | 2.34% |
| SPG | Simon Property Group Inc | 0.04% | $211.63 | -0.2% | $68.5B | 40.2 | 4.25% |
| CVX | Chevron Corp | 0.08% | $233.21 | +2.9% | $460.8B | 22.4 | 3.06% |
| VZ | Verizon Communications Inc | 0.04% | $44.66 | -1.2% | $185.6B | 11.6 | 6.33% |
TBG Dividend Focus ETF Investor Checkpoints
These are the points to review before investing in TBG. Since it is an active dividend ETF that does not track an index and relies on the management team to pick stocks directly, thoroughly checking the fee burden, the management strategy, and the relatively short track record beforehand will help your investment decision.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Compare fee levels with passive funds | Somewhat high |
| 🎯 Management Strategy | Understand the active stock selection method | Needs review |
| 💧 Dividend Frequency | Quarterly dividend payment schedule | Maintained |
| 📅 Track Record | Check the length of the track record | Relatively short |
The main risks are that performance depends on the management team's selection ability and that fees are higher than those of passive funds. Dividend growth stocks can also underperform when interest rates are rising, so the macro environment should be taken into account as well.
It is a choice worth considering for investors who want to go beyond index tracking, actively select dividend growth stocks, and also hold income assets. To reduce the fee burden, a side-by-side comparison with passive alternatives such as SCHD and VYM is recommended.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 18, 2026.
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