PFFA vs SCHD
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock 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 | PFFA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.11% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.65% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.31% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PFFA vs SCHD Performance
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PFFA returned +7.31% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PFFA is up 1.67% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PFFA compounded at +11.76% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +5.55% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -70.7% for PFFA 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFA charges 2.11% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $211 vs $6 annually, a gap of $205 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFA currently yields 9.65% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PFFA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 123 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFA or SCHD?
PFFA has an expense ratio of 2.11% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $205 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFA or SCHD?
Over the past year PFFA returned +7.31% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PFFA annualized +4.10% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFA or SCHD?
PFFA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PFFA -70.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PFFA and SCHD?
PFFA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFA and SCHD?
PFFA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFA or SCHD?
PFFA yields 9.65% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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