DSMC vs. COWZ

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

DSMC (Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSMC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Distillate, while COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. DSMC is actively managed, while COWZ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DSMC returned 11.51%/yr vs 11.57%/yr for COWZ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DSMC charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

DSMC vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSMC achieves a 16.33% return, which is significantly higher than COWZ's 7.00% return.

DSMC

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 0.93%
• 6M: 10.98%
• YTD: 16.33%
• 1Y: 21.63%
• 3Y*: 11.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

COWZ

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.06%
• 6M: 3.87%
• YTD: 7.00%
• 1Y: 15.61%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: 10.40%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DSMC vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DSMC Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF	16.33%	2.73%	2.81%	29.50%	8.50%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	7.00%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	5.28%

Correlation

The correlation between DSMC and COWZ is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 6, 2022	0.88

The correlation between DSMC and COWZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSMC vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSMC	COWZ
Consumer Cyclical	18.7%	14.3%
Technology	18.0%	19.9%
Industrials	16.6%	10.9%
Energy	14.4%	11.6%
Healthcare	11.0%	19.9%
Consumer Defensive	9.0%	10.5%
Communication Services	5.8%	8.7%
Basic Materials	3.4%	4.0%
Financial Services	3.0%	-
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DSMC vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DSMC

DSMC Risk / Return Rank: 45
DSMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DSMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DSMC Omega Ratio Rank: 39
DSMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DSMC Martin Ratio Rank: 49

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 50
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 43
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 51

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DSMC vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DSMC	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.28	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	1.90	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.23	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.46	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.53	6.91	-0.38

DSMC vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is comparable to the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSMC and COWZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DSMC vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSMC drawdown since its inception was -28.62%, smaller than the maximum COWZ drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSMC and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSMC	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.62%	-38.63%	+10.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.33%	-5.95%	-4.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.62%	-22.00%	-6.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-1.99%	+1.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.87%	-4.79%	-1.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	2.13%	+1.00%

Volatility

DSMC vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) have volatilities of 4.40% and 4.26%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSMC	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	4.26%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.71%	7.85%	+2.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.06%	11.46%	+5.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	17.64%	+2.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.24%	19.87%	+0.37%

DSMC vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSMC has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSMC vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

DSMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, less than COWZ's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.93%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%
DSMC Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF	1.13%	1.18%	1.31%	1.02%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSMC and COWZ in my portfolio?

DSMC and COWZ have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSMC or COWZ?

DSMC has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to COWZ (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSMC dropped -28.62% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, DSMC or COWZ?

On 3-year performance, COWZ leads with 11.57% vs 11.51% for DSMC. On fees, COWZ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, COWZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSMC or COWZ?

Over the 3-year period, COWZ has performed better with a 11.57% return vs 11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSMC or COWZ?

COWZ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for DSMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSMC or COWZ?

COWZ has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 1.13% for DSMC.

What is the main difference between DSMC and COWZ?

DSMC is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while COWZ is Mid Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Distillate and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for DSMC and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

COWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs 1.19), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.