PMAU vs SCHD
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August 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 | PMAU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.54% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.38% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PMAU vs SCHD Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU) 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 PMAU returned +7.38% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, PMAU is up 4.54% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.5% for PMAU. 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 PMAU 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMAU 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, PMAU currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMAU or SCHD?
PMAU 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, PMAU or SCHD?
Over the past year PMAU returned +7.38% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMAU annualized +7.45% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMAU or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.5% for PMAU. Worst drawdown: PMAU -1.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PMAU and SCHD?
PMAU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMAU or SCHD?
PMAU yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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