COWS vs SCHD
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. COWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $43M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +21.10% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
COWS vs SCHD Performance
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF (COWS) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, COWS is up 21.10% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, COWS compounded at +20.15% per year against +16.29% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, COWS has the edge at +20.15% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -24.8% for COWS 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWS charges 0.19% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $6 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWS currently yields 1.53% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWS or SCHD?
COWS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWS or SCHD?
Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so COWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COWS annualized +20.15% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWS or SCHD?
COWS has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: COWS -24.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both COWS and SCHD?
COWS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWS and SCHD?
COWS and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWS or SCHD?
COWS yields 1.53% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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