# VPU ETF returns, drawdowns and dividends

> VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF): 1-year total return -6.97%, price return -9.51%, max drawdown 17.28%, trailing yield 3.01%. Daily data through Oct. 2, 2026.

Source: https://findetfstock.com/etf/vpu/ · Prices through: 2026-10-02 · Data: Yahoo Finance daily closes and ex-dividend amounts

Vanguard Utilities ETF.

VPU lost 6.97% over the past year with dividends reinvested (-9.51% on price alone), based on closing prices through Oct. 2, 2026. Over the last 5.2 years (since July 16, 2021) it gained 39.89% with dividends reinvested, or +6.65% a year. Its largest fall from a peak over the past year was 17.28%, and it closed 16.14% below its highest close since July 16, 2021 ($205.87 on Feb. 27, 2026). It pays dividends quarterly: $5.20 per share over the last 12 months, a trailing yield of 3.01%. 

## Returns by period

| Period | Since | Total return | Price return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 2026-09-02 | -5.82% | -6.50% |
| 3 months | 2026-07-02 | -11.96% | -12.60% |
| 6 months | 2026-04-02 | -12.53% | -13.74% |
| Year to date | 2025-12-31 | -4.77% | -6.70% |
| 1 year | 2025-10-02 | -6.97% | -9.51% |
| 3 years | 2023-10-02 | +55.25% (+15.79%/yr) | +41.92% (+12.38%/yr) |
| 5 years | 2021-07-16 | +39.89% (+6.65%/yr) | +19.16% (+3.42%/yr) |

Total return reinvests every dividend at the ex-dividend date close. Price return excludes dividends.

## Calendar-year returns

| Year | Total return | Price return |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (year to date) | -4.77% | -6.70% |
| 2025 | +16.47% | +13.23% |
| 2024 | +23.06% | +19.22% |
| 2023 | -7.46% | -10.62% |
| 2022 | +1.04% | -1.94% |

## Drawdowns

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Max drawdown, 1 year | 17.28% |
| Max drawdown, 3 years | 17.28% |
| Max drawdown, 5 years | 28.19% |
| Highest close since 2021-07-16 | $205.87 on 2026-02-27 (-16.14% from there) |
| 52-week closing range | $170.29 to $205.87 |

Deepest fall in the stored history: 28.19%, from 2022-09-12 to 2023-10-02, recovered on 2024-09-13 (347 days after the low).

## Dividends

Trailing 12 months: $5.20 per share in 4 payments, yield 3.01%. Last ex-dividend date: 2026-09-23 ($1.26).

| Year | Dividends per share | Payments |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (so far) | $3.84 | 3 |
| 2025 | $5.04 | 4 |
| 2024 | $4.93 | 4 |
| 2023 | $4.78 | 4 |
| 2022 | $4.58 | 4 |

Historical data for research and education, not investment advice. Methodology: https://findetfstock.com/methodology/