EPRF vs SCHD
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPRF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $68M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.71% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -6.59% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.15% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.83% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.31% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EPRF vs SCHD Performance
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred ETF (EPRF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EPRF returned -7.15% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, EPRF is down 6.59% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, EPRF compounded at +0.83% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.31% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.6% for EPRF. 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 -26.8% for EPRF 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPRF charges 0.47% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $6 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPRF currently yields 5.71% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EPRF and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 167 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EPRF | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARES | 3.79% | 0.66% | 3.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPRF or SCHD?
EPRF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPRF or SCHD?
Over the past year EPRF returned -7.15% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EPRF annualized +0.74% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPRF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.6% for EPRF. Worst drawdown: EPRF -26.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EPRF and SCHD?
EPRF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPRF and SCHD?
EPRF and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 167 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPRF or SCHD?
EPRF yields 5.71% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so EPRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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