Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBULSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.06%
AUM$132M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.22%3.31%
Holdings51104
YTD Return+16.32%+24.26%
1Y Return+27.84%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.72%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.47%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)19.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-37.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 2, 2019Oct 20, 2011

BUL vs SCHD Performance

Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) 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 BUL returned +27.84% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BUL is up 16.32% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, BUL compounded at +21.72% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUL has the edge at +14.58% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BUL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -37.3% for BUL 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BUL 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, BUL currently yields 0.22% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BUL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 151 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BUL or SCHD?

BUL 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, BUL or SCHD?

Over the past year BUL returned +27.84% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUL annualized +14.58% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BUL or SCHD?

BUL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BUL -37.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both BUL and SCHD?

BUL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BUL and SCHD?

BUL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUL or SCHD?

BUL yields 0.22% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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