DSTL vs. COWZ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DSTL (Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSTL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Distillate Capital, while COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. DSTL is actively managed, while COWZ is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DSTL returned 8.69%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for COWZ. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DSTL charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

DSTL vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) 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, DSTL achieves a -0.34% return, which is significantly lower than COWZ's 2.67% return.

DSTL

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -1.55%
• YTD: -0.34%
• 6M: -1.26%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: 11.47%
• 5Y*: 8.69%
• 10Y*: —

COWZ

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -4.28%
• YTD: 2.67%
• 6M: 1.89%
• 1Y: 15.09%
• 3Y*: 12.16%
• 5Y*: 9.90%
• 10Y*: —

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

DSTL vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DSTL Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	-0.34%	8.71%	12.78%	22.71%	-10.64%	28.87%	19.31%	35.49%	-8.42%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	2.67%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	0.19%	42.57%	11.65%	23.41%	-9.74%

Correlation

The correlation between DSTL and COWZ is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2018	0.87

The correlation between DSTL and COWZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSTL vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSTL	COWZ
Technology	31.1%	16.0%
Healthcare	20.3%	21.8%
Industrials	12.9%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	11.7%
Financial Services	6.8%	-
Communication Services	6.7%	10.4%
Energy	5.4%	16.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	10.9%
Utilities	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.7%	3.7%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

DSTL vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSTL

DSTL Risk / Return Rank: 23
DSTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
DSTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DSTL Omega Ratio Rank: 20
DSTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
DSTL Martin Ratio Rank: 26

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 43
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 36
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

DSTL vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) 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.

	DSTL	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	1.33	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	1.97	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.24	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	2.54	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.33	7.69	-4.36

DSTL vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSTL Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is lower than the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSTL 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

DSTL vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSTL drawdown since its inception was -33.09%, smaller than the maximum COWZ drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSTL and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSTL	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.09%	-38.63%	+5.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.30%	-5.95%	-2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.92%	-22.00%	+5.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.10%	-22.00%	+1.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.34%	-5.95%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-4.80%	+0.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	1.97%	+0.90%

Volatility

DSTL vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) has a higher volatility of 4.20% compared to Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) at 3.91%. This indicates that DSTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than COWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSTL	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	3.91%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.76%	7.52%	+1.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.12%	11.39%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.79%	17.64%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.38%	19.90%	-0.52%

DSTL vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSTL has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSTL vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

DSTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than COWZ's 2.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	2.01%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%
DSTL Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	1.28%	1.31%	1.34%	1.30%	1.35%	1.01%	0.83%	0.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSTL and COWZ in my portfolio?

DSTL and COWZ have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSTL or COWZ?

DSTL has higher volatility (4.20%) compared to COWZ (3.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSTL dropped -33.09% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, DSTL or COWZ?

On 5-year performance, COWZ leads with 9.90% vs 8.69% for DSTL. On fees, DSTL is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, COWZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSTL or COWZ?

Over the 5-year period, COWZ has performed better with a 9.90% return vs 8.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSTL or COWZ?

DSTL is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for COWZ.

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

COWZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.01%, compared with 1.28% for DSTL.

What is the main difference between DSTL and COWZ?

DSTL is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while COWZ is Mid Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Distillate Capital and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DSTL and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

COWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs 0.79), 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.