PFFR vs SCHD
InfraCap REIT 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 | PFFR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $120M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.29% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 107 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.65% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.52% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.36% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.98% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PFFR vs SCHD Performance
InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (PFFR) 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 PFFR returned +3.52% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, PFFR is up 1.65% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, PFFR compounded at +8.36% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.98% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +0.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -54.2% for PFFR 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFR charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFR currently yields 8.29% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PFFR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 108 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, PFFR or SCHD?
PFFR has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFR or SCHD?
Over the past year PFFR returned +3.52% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PFFR annualized +0.52% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFR or SCHD?
PFFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PFFR -54.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PFFR and SCHD?
PFFR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFR and SCHD?
PFFR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 108 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFR or SCHD?
PFFR yields 8.29% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PFFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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