Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPFDESCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.06%
AUM$156M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.18%3.31%
Holdings84104
YTD Return+15.46%+24.26%
1Y Return-+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)-13.6%
Max Drawdown-10.4%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPathfinder ETFsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 31, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PFDE vs SCHD Performance

Pathfinder Disciplined US Equity ETF (PFDE) is a ETF from Pathfinder ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Year to date, PFDE is up 15.46% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.4% for PFDE and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PFDE charges 0.59% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $6 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFDE currently yields 0.18% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

6.0%overlap

PFDE and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 174 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PFDEWeight in SCHDDifference
MRK1.68%4.32%2.64%
CVX1.30%3.95%2.65%
UNH0.23%4.54%4.31%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PFDE or SCHD?

PFDE has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between PFDE and SCHD?

PFDE and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 174 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PFDE or SCHD?

PFDE yields 0.18% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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