
The iShares US Preferred Stock ETF (PFF) offers an attractive yield for diversification. It's a popular choice among investors seeking income and reduced volatility.
PFF provides a yield of around 5%, which is significantly higher than the S&P 500. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to boost their income without taking on excessive risk.
Investors can expect a relatively stable dividend payment from PFF, with a history of consistent payouts.
Why Invest in PFF?
Investing in PFF offers a unique combination of bond-like and stock-like characteristics, making it an attractive option for those seeking a steady income stream.
PFF provides exposure to U.S. preferred stocks, which pay a fixed dividend, giving investors a regular income.
One of the key benefits of PFF is that it accesses the domestic preferred stock market in a single fund, making it easy to get started.
By investing in PFF, you can diversify your portfolio and potentially reduce risk, as preferred stocks tend to be less volatile than common stocks.
PFF offers a convenient way to invest in the U.S. preferred stock market, eliminating the need to purchase individual preferred stocks.
Fees

The fees associated with the iShares US Preferred Stock ETF (PFF) are relatively low. Specifically, the Management Fee is 0.46% of the fund's net assets.
The Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are currently 0.00%, which is a great bonus for investors. This means that the fund's expenses are minimal.
Other Expenses are also 0.00%, which is a testament to the fund's efficient management. This is a significant advantage for investors who want to keep more of their returns.
The Expense Ratio, which is a measure of the total expenses incurred by the fund, is also 0.46%. This is the sum of the Management Fee, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, and Other Expenses.
Here is a breakdown of the fees:
It's worth noting that the amounts shown are as of the current prospectus, but may not include extraordinary expenses incurred by the fund over the past fiscal year.
Distributions and Yields
The iShares US Preferred Stock ETF (PFF) offers a 6.7% dividend yield, which is a significant return on investment.
Distributions are paid out periodically, with a capital gain distribution frequency of annually. This means you can expect to receive annual distributions from your investment in PFF.
The PFF has a net income ratio of 4.56%, indicating that a substantial portion of the distribution is comprised of net income.
Attractive 6.5% Yield to Diversify

PFF offers a 6.5% yield, which is a significant return on investment. This yield is attractive to investors looking for a steady income stream.
The iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF, which includes PFF, has diverse holdings in financials, industrials, and utilities. This diversification can help reduce risk and increase potential returns.
Diversification is key to a balanced investment portfolio, and PFF provides this with its holdings in various sectors. By spreading investments across different industries, investors can reduce their reliance on a single sector or company.
PFF has a 1.7% YTD total return, which may not be impressive, but it's still a positive sign. Over the past 3 years, the ETF has achieved an annualized total return of 2.1%, and over 5 years, it's been 2.0%.
Here's a breakdown of PFF's distribution frequencies and ratios:
The record date for PFF's distributions is not explicitly stated, but we can infer that it's not a fixed date, as the distribution frequencies and ratios are listed.
Return Trailing Ranking

The iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF, or PFF, has a diverse portfolio of preferred shares in financials, industrials, and utilities. It's a large preferred share ETF that offers a 6.5% yield and potential for price appreciation.
Looking at the Return Ranking - Trailing, we can see that PFF has performed well over the past year, with a return of 6.5%. This puts it in the top 81% of its category for the 1-year period.
Here's a breakdown of PFF's return ranking over different periods:
PFF's return has been relatively stable over the long term, with a 3.4% annualized return over the past 10 years. This is a notable achievement, especially considering the volatility of the market during that time.
About PFF
PFF offers a 6.3% yield, which is a significant return on investment. This yield is a key factor in attracting investors who are looking for income-generating assets.
The fund is managed by Greg Savage, who oversees the investment strategy and decisions. This level of expertise can provide a sense of security for investors.

PFF has been in existence since March 26, 2007, with an inception date that marks the beginning of its investment journey. Its long history suggests a level of stability and maturity.
Here are some key details about PFF in a summary format:
- Legal Name: iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF
- Fund Family Name: BlackRock-advised Funds
- Currency: USD
- Domiciled Country: US
Net Income Ratio
Net Income Ratio is a key metric that helps investors understand a company's profitability. PFF's Net Income Ratio is 4.56%.
PFF's Net Income Ratio is significantly lower than the Category High of 7.54%, which suggests that the company may not be generating as much profit as its peers.
About
The iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF, also known as PFF, has a rich history that dates back to March 26, 2007.
PFF is a part of the BlackRock-advised Funds family, which suggests a strong foundation and expertise in managing investments.
The fund has a significant number of shares outstanding, with 471,100,000 shares available in the market.
Here are some key details about PFF at a glance:
- Legal Name: iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF
- Fund Family Name: BlackRock-advised Funds
- Inception Date: March 26, 2007
- Shares Outstanding: 471,100,000
- Currency: USD
- Domiciled Country: US
- Manager: Greg Savage
PFF's inception date of March 26, 2007, is a notable milestone in its history, marking the beginning of its journey as a trusted investment option.
Risks and Alternatives
PFF, the largest preferred shares ETF in the market, has some notable risks to consider. One big risk is that shares are often sensitive to changes in interest rates.
If Treasury bond yields increase and approach a preferred stock's dividend yield, demand for shares will likely decline, sending its share price lower. This is because owning Treasuries is generally viewed as safer than owning shares.
Call risk is another factor to consider when investing in preferred stocks. Issuing companies can redeem shares as needed, which can happen with callable preferred stock when interest rates fall.
Liquidation risks are also present, similar to common stock. If a company goes bankrupt and must be liquidated, preferred stockholders are more likely to recover assets than owners of common stock.
Three strong alternatives to PFF include high-yield corporate bond ETFs, such as SPH.
6% Yield PFF On Sale, Not Buying
The 6% yield PFF is on sale, but I'm not buying it right now. PFF offers a 6.3% yield and diversification, but its recent pullback has made it a tempting buy for some investors.

The fund's concentration in financials and utilities is a major concern for risk-averse investors. Only 32% of the ETF's holdings are investment grade, while 65% are speculative-grade investments.
PFF has a heavy allocation toward the financial sector, with banks accounting for 43.2% of the fund's portfolio weight. This lack of diversification could alienate a significant number of risk-averse investors.
The fund's expense ratio of 0.46% is relatively low, but it's not enough to make up for the potential risks. With a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 6.87%, PFF may seem attractive, but its underlying risks should not be ignored.
The 449 portfolio holdings of the ETF are heavily skewed toward the financial sector, with the banking sector comprising 37.20% of its weight. This concentration in financials makes PFF a high-risk investment for those who fear another financial crisis.
General Risks
Owning preferred stocks comes with its own set of risks, which can be a major concern for investors.

One significant risk is that shares are often sensitive to changes in interest rates, causing their prices to fall as prevailing interest rates increase.
If Treasury bond yields increase and approach a preferred stock's dividend yield, demand for shares will likely decline, sending its share price lower.
Issuing companies can also redeem shares as needed, which is known as call risk, and this can happen when interest rates fall.
This can be a problem for investors, as it means they may lose their shares and have to accept a lower dividend yield.
If a company is bankrupt and must be liquidated, preferred stockholders are more likely to recover assets than common stockholders, but this is still a risk to consider.
Alternatives to the Largest Shares ETF
The largest preferred shares ETF in the market, PFF, may not be the best option for everyone. It has underperformed peers and high-yield corporate bond ETFs.
One alternative to consider is the SPH ETF, which compares favorably to PFF. This means you can potentially earn a higher return with less risk.
PFF may be the largest, but it's not always the best. Preferred shares offer high yields with pricing traits between bonds and equity risk, making them a unique investment option.
If you're looking for high-yield corporate bond ETFs, SPH is a strong choice. It offers a better performance compared to PFF, making it a more attractive option for investors.
Difference Between Stock and Common Stock
Preferred stock is a type of equity ownership that comes with a guaranteed dividend payment, making it attractive to investors seeking future cash flows.
Preferred stockholders receive a dividend calculated as a percentage of their investment, similar to a bond.
This means they can expect a steady income stream, but they won't have any voting rights in the company.
The difference between preferred and common stock is that preferred stock gets precedence for dividend payments and asset allocation, giving investors more security.
Investors who prioritize securing future cash flows over having a say in company decisions might find preferred stock an appealing option.
Performance and Outlook
The iShares US Preferred Stock ETF (PFF) has had its share of ups and downs. PFF underperformed the S&P 500 during the pandemic, but it offers a 6.5% yield, making it a potentially attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
In terms of total return, PFF has shown some impressive numbers. The 2020 calendar year saw a 7.9% return, which was one of the top performers in its category. However, the 2022 calendar year was a different story, with a -18.2% return.
Here's a breakdown of PFF's performance over the past few years:
It's worth noting that PFF's performance has been ranked consistently in the middle to lower end of its category over the past few years, with the exception of 2023 when it ranked 18.67% in its category.
U.S. Stocks Look Attractive
U.S. preferred stocks are looking attractive, especially with their high dividend yields. The iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF, PFF, has a 6.87% trailing 12-month dividend yield.

PFF is the largest preferred stock ETF, with total assets of $13.6 billion, and it tracks the performance of the S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index. The fund's portfolio is heavily skewed toward the financial sector.
The financial sector accounts for 37.20% of the portfolio weight, with banking sector securities making up 37.20% of the weight. Banking sector securities are a significant portion of the fund's holdings.
Only 32% of the ETF's holdings are investment grade, which could be a concern for risk-averse investors. The remaining 68% of the holdings are speculative-grade investments or unrated.
Risk-averse investors might be concerned about the lack of diversification in the fund, as it has a heavy allocation toward the financial sector. Banks account for 43.2% of the fund's portfolio weight.
The fund's concentration in financials and utilities could alienate risk-averse investors who fear another financial crisis. The lack of diversification in some preferred stock ETFs, like PFF, is a significant concern.
Total Return Ranking (Calendar)
Let's take a closer look at the total return ranking for preferreds over the past few years. In 2024, preferreds have delivered a total return of 7.2%, which is a respectable performance considering the current market conditions.
The 2023 total return was even more impressive, with preferreds returning 9.2%. This is a clear indication of the potential for preferreds to perform well in a rising interest rate environment.
However, it's worth noting that 2022 was a tough year for preferreds, with a total return of -18.2%. This was largely due to the market volatility and the subsequent decline in interest rates.
In contrast, 2021 saw a more modest total return of 7.1%, while 2020 delivered a return of 7.9%. These numbers show that preferreds can be a stable investment option, but it's essential to keep an eye on the market trends.
Here's a breakdown of the total return ranking for preferreds over the past few years:
These numbers highlight the importance of considering the long-term performance of preferreds when making investment decisions.
Comparison and Analysis
The iShares US Preferred Stock ETF (PFF) is a popular investment option for those seeking income-generating assets. It tracks the Markit US Investable Preferred Index, which includes a diversified portfolio of US-issued preferred stocks.
PFF has a low expense ratio of 0.47%, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious investors. This low fee structure helps minimize the impact of costs on returns.
As of the last update, PFF has over $50 billion in assets under management, making it one of the largest preferred stock ETFs in the market. Its size and liquidity can be beneficial for investors seeking to buy and sell shares quickly.
PFF's portfolio is comprised of approximately 300-400 preferred stocks, providing a diversified exposure to the US preferred stock market. This diversification can help reduce risk and increase potential returns.
PFF has historically provided a stable source of income, with a current yield of around 5%. This yield is attractive compared to other income-generating investments, such as bonds or dividend-paying stocks.
PFF's returns have been relatively stable over the years, with a standard deviation of around 4%. This low volatility can be appealing to investors seeking predictable returns.
Critical Information
Preferred stocks offer a unique combination of safety and return potential, but it's essential to understand the critical information surrounding them.
The safety of preferred stocks is often compared to that of bonds, which can provide a sense of security for investors.
Preferred stocks typically have a fixed dividend rate, which can be a major draw for income-seeking investors.
This fixed dividend rate can provide a predictable stream of income, making it easier for investors to plan their finances.
Preferred stocks are also often considered a lower-risk investment compared to common stocks, which can be more volatile.
Investors who prioritize stability and regular income may find preferred stocks to be a suitable fit for their portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best preferred stock ETF?
There isn't a single "best" preferred stock ETF, as the choice depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Consider the SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF or the Global X US Preferred ETF for a broad exposure to the preferred stock market.
What is PFF investment?
PFF investment is a fund that invests at least 80% of its assets in preferred stocks and up to 20% in derivatives and cash equivalents. It's a diversified investment option for those seeking income and stability.
Sources
- https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239826/ishares-us-preferred-stock-etf
- https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/products/239826/ishares-us-preferred-stock-etf
- https://stockanalysis.com/etf/pff/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/etfs-mutual-funds/051016/true-risks-behind-preferred-stock-etfs-pff-fpe.asp
- https://www.dividend.com/etfs/pff-ishares-preferred-income-securities-etf/
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