HIDV vs. COWZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HIDV (AB US High Dividend ETF) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HIDV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. HIDV is actively managed, while COWZ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HIDV returned 20.68%/yr vs 12.38%/yr for COWZ. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HIDV charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

HIDV vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) 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, HIDV achieves a 8.94% return, which is significantly higher than COWZ's 3.27% return.

HIDV

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -1.16%
• YTD: 8.94%
• 6M: 8.20%
• 1Y: 24.57%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

COWZ

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: -3.72%
• YTD: 3.27%
• 6M: 2.69%
• 1Y: 15.76%
• 3Y*: 12.38%
• 5Y*: 9.90%
• 10Y*: —

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

HIDV vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	8.94%	14.64%	26.01%	20.30%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	3.27%	8.98%	10.64%	15.31%

Correlation

The correlation between HIDV and COWZ is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	0.72

The correlation between HIDV and COWZ shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HIDV vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

HIDV

HIDV Risk / Return Rank: 64
HIDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
HIDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
HIDV Omega Ratio Rank: 65
HIDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
HIDV Martin Ratio Rank: 65

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 45
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

HIDV vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) 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.

	HIDV	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.39	+0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.05	+0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.25	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.66	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.05	7.92	+3.13

HIDV vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HIDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is higher than the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HIDV 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

HIDV vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HIDV drawdown since its inception was -18.76%, smaller than the maximum COWZ drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HIDV and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	HIDV	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.76%	-38.63%	+19.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.57%	-5.95%	-3.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-22.00%	+3.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.75%	-5.40%	+2.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-4.80%	+2.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	2.00%	+0.23%

Volatility

HIDV vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) have volatilities of 4.12% and 3.97%, 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

	HIDV	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	3.97%	+0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.57%	7.53%	+2.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.27%	11.38%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.57%	17.64%	-3.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.57%	19.90%	-5.33%

HIDV vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

HIDV has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

HIDV vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

HIDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.38%, more than COWZ's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	2.00%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	2.38%	2.22%	2.29%	2.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HIDV and COWZ in my portfolio?

HIDV and COWZ have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HIDV or COWZ?

HIDV has higher volatility (4.12%) compared to COWZ (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HIDV dropped -18.76% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, HIDV or COWZ?

On 3-year performance, HIDV leads with 20.68% vs 12.38% for COWZ. On fees, HIDV is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, COWZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HIDV or COWZ?

Over the 3-year period, HIDV has performed better with a 20.68% return vs 12.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HIDV or COWZ?

HIDV is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for COWZ.

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

HIDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.38%, compared with 2.00% for COWZ.

What is the main difference between HIDV and COWZ?

HIDV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while COWZ is Mid Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HIDV and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HIDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.39), 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.