COWZ vs VOO
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. COWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.16% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.03% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.38% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
COWZ vs VOO Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, COWZ is up 19.16% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, COWZ compounded at +14.38% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.85% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, COWZ has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +13.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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
COWZ charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWZ currently yields 1.85% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
COWZ and VOO share 89 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWZ or VOO?
COWZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWZ or VOO?
Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% vs +21.87% for VOO, so COWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), COWZ annualized +13.61% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWZ or VOO?
COWZ has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: COWZ -38.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both COWZ and VOO?
COWZ and VOO 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 COWZ and VOO?
COWZ and VOO share 89 common holdings with a 7.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWZ or VOO?
COWZ yields 1.85% while VOO yields 1.08%, so COWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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