CALF vs SCHD
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. CALF delivered stronger 1-year returns. CALF offers more diversification with 201 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CALF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +26.42% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.18% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.22% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.42% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CALF vs SCHD Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) 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 CALF returned +41.18% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, CALF is up 26.42% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, CALF compounded at +10.22% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.42% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +10.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CALF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -47.6% for CALF 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALF charges 0.59% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $6 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CALF currently yields 1.20% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CALF and SCHD share 10 holdings out of 291 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CALF or SCHD?
CALF has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CALF or SCHD?
Over the past year CALF returned +41.18% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so CALF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), CALF annualized +10.73% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALF or SCHD?
CALF has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CALF -47.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CALF and SCHD?
CALF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALF and SCHD?
CALF and SCHD share 10 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 291 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALF or SCHD?
CALF yields 1.20% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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