PTLC vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTLC offers more diversification with 493 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: PTLC

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPTLCSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.06%
AUM$3.2B$103.7B
Dividend Yield1.01%3.31%
Holdings506104
YTD Return+4.54%+22.69%
1Y Return+12.30%+30.94%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.76%+14.20%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.53%+9.59%
Volatility (annualized)65542.9%13.7%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 11, 2015Oct 20, 2011

PTLC vs SCHD Performance

Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PTLC returned +12.30% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, PTLC is up 4.54% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.

Over three years, PTLC compounded at +11.76% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.53% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +36.83% annualized vs +11.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PTLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65542.9% compared with 13.7% 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 -100.0% for PTLC 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PTLC charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

7.8%overlap

PTLC and SCHD share 46 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PTLCWeight in SCHDDifference
UNH0.60%4.54%3.94%
MRK0.50%4.32%3.82%
ABT0.26%4.49%4.23%
HDProProPro
PGProProPro
KOProProPro
AMGNProProPro
CVXProProPro
TXNProProPro
PEPProProPro
See all 10 holdings PTLC shares with SCHD
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PTLC or SCHD?

PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PTLC or SCHD?

Over the past year PTLC returned +12.30% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PTLC annualized +36.83% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PTLC or SCHD?

PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65542.9% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PTLC and SCHD?

PTLC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and SCHD?

PTLC and SCHD share 46 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or SCHD?

PTLC yields 1.01% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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