PFFA vs VOO
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFFA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.65% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.77% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.66% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.64% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PFFA vs VOO Performance
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFFA returned +6.66% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, PFFA is up 1.77% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, PFFA compounded at +11.85% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.64% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +4.11%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFA charges 2.11% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $211 vs $3 annually, a gap of $208 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFA currently yields 9.65% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PFFA and VOO share 1 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PFFA | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.00% | 0.28% | 0.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFA or VOO?
PFFA has an expense ratio of 2.11% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $208 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFA or VOO?
Over the past year PFFA returned +6.66% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PFFA annualized +4.11% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFA or VOO?
PFFA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PFFA -70.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PFFA and VOO?
PFFA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFA and VOO?
PFFA and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFA or VOO?
PFFA yields 9.65% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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