ALTL vs SCHD
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ALTL offers more diversification with 101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ALTL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $92M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.68% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.07% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.18% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.85% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ALTL vs SCHD Performance
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator ETF (ALTL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ALTL returned +21.07% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, ALTL is up 9.68% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, ALTL compounded at +9.18% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.85% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, ALTL has the edge at +12.64% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ALTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -31.9% for ALTL and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ALTL charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ALTL currently yields 0.85% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ALTL and SCHD share 4 holdings out of 197 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ALTL or SCHD?
ALTL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ALTL or SCHD?
Over the past year ALTL returned +21.07% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ALTL annualized +12.64% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ALTL or SCHD?
ALTL has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ALTL -31.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ALTL and SCHD?
ALTL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ALTL and SCHD?
ALTL and SCHD share 4 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 197 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ALTL or SCHD?
ALTL yields 0.85% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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