AMLP vs SCHD
Alerian MLP ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, AMLP or SCHD?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AMLP led over 3Y and 5Y, SCHD over 1Y and the full window. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 92.2%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AMLP | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $13.5B | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 7.28% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 15 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +19.30% | +21.33%Best |
| 1Y Return | +21.90% | +25.15%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.96%Best | +15.43% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.37%Best | +9.32% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.2% | 13.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -85.4% | -33.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,237Best | $15,613 |
| Top 10 Weight | 92.2% | 41.8%Best |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Sep 24, 2026 (14.9 years).
AMLP vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.9 years both funds cover.
AMLP vs SCHD Performance
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AMLP returned +21.90% while SCHD returned +25.15%. Year to date, AMLP is up 19.30% versus a gain of 21.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, AMLP compounded at +16.96% per year against +15.43% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +19.37% and +9.32% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +0.47%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.2% compared with 13.7% 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 -85.4% for AMLP and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AMLP charges 1.01% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $6 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AMLP currently yields 7.28% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 14 holdings in AMLP and 100 in SCHD, totalling 99.9% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 14 positions we hold weights for in AMLP and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 15 and 103.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 14 and 100 positions we hold weights for.
SCHD holds 99 positions AMLP does not, 99.9% of the fund.
Largest: MRK 4.77%, AMGN 4.70%, ABT 4.69%, KO 4.17%, CVX 4.02%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AMLP and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AMLP or SCHD?
AMLP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $95 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AMLP or SCHD?
Over the past year AMLP returned +21.90% vs +25.15% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AMLP annualized +0.47% vs +11.11% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AMLP or SCHD?
AMLP has been the more volatile fund at 26.2% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AMLP -85.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AMLP and SCHD?
AMLP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AMLP or SCHD?
AMLP yields 7.28% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so AMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than AMLP?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AMLP led over 3Y and 5Y, SCHD over 1Y and the full window. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 92.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.