Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMAPSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.06%
AUM$5M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+4.20%+24.26%
1Y Return+6.74%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)1.2%13.6%
Max Drawdown-1.8%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 31, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PMAP vs SCHD Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April (PMAP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PMAP returned +6.74% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PMAP is up 4.20% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 1.2% for PMAP. 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 -1.8% for PMAP 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMAP charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMAP currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMAP or SCHD?

PMAP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PMAP or SCHD?

Over the past year PMAP returned +6.74% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMAP annualized +7.21% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PMAP or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 1.2% for PMAP. Worst drawdown: PMAP -1.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PMAP and SCHD?

PMAP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMAP or SCHD?

PMAP yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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