COWZ vs SCHD
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWZ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $19.8B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.96% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.39% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.24% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.39% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
COWZ vs SCHD Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) 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 COWZ returned +25.39% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, COWZ is up 16.96% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, COWZ compounded at +13.24% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.39% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, COWZ has the edge at +13.42% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -38.6% for COWZ 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWZ charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWZ currently yields 1.85% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
COWZ and SCHD share 15 holdings out of 186 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWZ or SCHD?
COWZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWZ or SCHD?
Over the past year COWZ returned +25.39% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), COWZ annualized +13.42% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWZ or SCHD?
COWZ has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: COWZ -38.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both COWZ and SCHD?
COWZ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between COWZ and SCHD?
COWZ and SCHD share 15 common holdings with a 19.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 186 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWZ or SCHD?
COWZ yields 1.85% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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