SCHD vs UTES
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Virtus Reaves Utilities 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 | SCHD | UTES | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $1.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.46% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 19 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | -5.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | -4.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +21.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +13.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -35.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 23, 2015 |
SCHD vs UTES Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while UTES returned -4.83%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a loss of 5.33% for UTES.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +21.09% for UTES; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +13.80% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, UTES has the edge at +11.75% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -35.7% for UTES. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UTES charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $49 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.46% for UTES.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and UTES share 0 holdings out of 118 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, SCHD or UTES?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UTES charges 0.49%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or UTES?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs -4.83% for UTES, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +11.75% for UTES. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UTES?
UTES has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UTES -35.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UTES?
SCHD and UTES have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UTES?
SCHD and UTES share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 118 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UTES?
SCHD yields 3.31% while UTES yields 1.46%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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