HWSM vs VOO
Hotchkis & Wiley SMID Cap Diversified Value Fund ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. HWSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWSM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.74% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.68% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Hotchkis & Wiley Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HWSM vs VOO Performance
Hotchkis & Wiley SMID Cap Diversified Value Fund ETF (HWSM) is a ETF from Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HWSM returned +22.68% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, HWSM is up 15.74% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.0% for HWSM. 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 -15.7% for HWSM 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HWSM charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWSM currently yields 1.15% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HWSM and VOO share 42 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWSM or VOO?
HWSM has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWSM or VOO?
Over the past year HWSM returned +22.68% vs +20.92% for VOO, so HWSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HWSM annualized +21.08% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWSM or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.0% for HWSM. Worst drawdown: HWSM -15.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HWSM and VOO?
HWSM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HWSM and VOO?
HWSM and VOO share 42 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWSM or VOO?
HWSM yields 1.15% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HWSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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