ETF Versus

COWZ vs VYM

Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-02

Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to us factor - cash flow securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.49%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.07%. Launched in 2016, the fund has a 10-year track record.

AUM: $18.0B ER: 0.49% Yield: 2.07% Since: Dec 16, 2016
VYM Vanguard

Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.37%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.

AUM: $71.3B ER: 0.04% Yield: 2.37% Since: Nov 10, 2006

Quick Verdict

VYM is significantly cheaper at 0.04% vs 0.49% expense ratio, saving you approximately $880 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Both funds have delivered similar 1-year returns (14.1% vs 15.0%), tracking closely.

Key Metrics

Metric COWZ VYM
Expense Ratio 0.49% 0.04%
Dividend Yield 2.1% 2.4%
Fund Family N/A Vanguard
Category US Factor - Cash Flow US Dividend

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

90 104 118 132 146 160 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
COWZ +50.8%
VYM +44.6%

Performance Comparison

Period COWZ VYM Difference
1 Month -3.81% -4.59% +0.78%
3 Months +3.13% +2.20% +0.93%
6 Months +7.80% +4.52% +3.28%
YTD +3.13% +2.20% +0.93%
1 Year +14.14% +14.98% -0.84%
3 Years +30.37% +39.18% -8.81%
5 Years +50.77% +44.55% +6.22%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period COWZ Fees VYM Fees You Save
$10.000 10 years $960 $80 $880
$10.000 20 years $4.052 $344 $3.708
$10.000 30 years $12.832 $1.112 $11.720
$50.000 10 years $4.799 $399 $4.400
$50.000 30 years $64.162 $5.560 $58.601
$100.000 30 years $128.324 $11.121 $117.203

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric COWZ VYM
Annualized Volatility 17.8% 14.0%
Max Drawdown -22.6% -17.5%
Sharpe Ratio 0.30 0.28

Dividend Comparison

Metric COWZ VYM
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.29 $3.51
Dividend Yield 2.07% 2.37%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Top Holdings

0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)

COWZ Top Holdings

NameWeight
ConocoPhillipsCOP2.35%
Pfizer Inc.PFE2.12%
Altria Group, Inc.MO2.09%
AT&T Inc.T2.08%
Bristol-Myers Squibb CompanyBMY2.05%
Verizon Communications Inc.VZ2.04%
T-Mobile US, Inc.TMUS2.00%
Diamondback Energy, Inc.FANG1.97%
Gilead Sciences, Inc.GILD1.96%
QUALCOMM IncorporatedQCOM1.94%

VYM Top Holdings

NameWeight
Broadcom Inc.AVGO6.48%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM3.36%
Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM2.83%
Johnson & JohnsonJNJ2.63%
Walmart Inc.WMT2.44%
AbbVie Inc.ABBV1.81%
The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG1.72%
The Home Depot, Inc.HD1.66%
Chevron CorporationCVX1.54%
Caterpillar Inc.CAT1.51%

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose VYM if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose VYM if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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