ADME vs VYM
Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ADME | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $310M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 167 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.88% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.84% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.39% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.18% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ADME vs VYM Performance
Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF (ADME) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ADME returned +13.84% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, ADME is up 9.88% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, ADME compounded at +16.39% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.18% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ADME has the edge at +8.49% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.5% for ADME. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -28.7% for ADME and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ADME charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ADME currently yields 0.36% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ADME and VYM share 74 holdings out of 690 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ADME or VYM?
ADME has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ADME or VYM?
Over the past year ADME returned +13.84% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ADME annualized +8.49% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ADME or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for ADME. Worst drawdown: ADME -28.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ADME and VYM?
ADME and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ADME and VYM?
ADME and VYM share 74 common holdings with a 31.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 690 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ADME or VYM?
ADME yields 0.36% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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