DSTL vs SCHD
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSTL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.09% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.36% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.01% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.26% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Distillate Capital Etfs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DSTL vs SCHD Performance
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) is a ETF from Distillate Capital Etfs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DSTL returned +25.36% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, DSTL is up 16.09% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, DSTL compounded at +15.01% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.26% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DSTL has the edge at +15.09% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -33.1% for DSTL 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSTL charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSTL currently yields 1.25% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DSTL and SCHD share 11 holdings out of 189 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSTL or SCHD?
DSTL has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSTL or SCHD?
Over the past year DSTL returned +25.36% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DSTL annualized +15.09% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSTL or SCHD?
DSTL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DSTL -33.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DSTL and SCHD?
DSTL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 DSTL and SCHD?
DSTL and SCHD share 11 common holdings with a 14.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSTL or SCHD?
DSTL yields 1.25% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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