KAT vs. ESN

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

KAT (Scharf ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. KAT is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. Their 0.71 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. KAT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

KAT vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Scharf ETF (KAT) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KAT achieves a 3.63% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 16.65% return.

KAT

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 2.91%
• 6M: 2.43%
• YTD: 3.63%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -0.26%
• 6M: 12.11%
• YTD: 16.65%
• 1Y: 27.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.50%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	$2.17M	$1.60M	$1.63M
KAT Scharf ETF	$571.01K	$654.17K	$709.38K

KAT vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KAT Scharf ETF	3.63%	0.85%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	16.65%	4.65%

Correlation

The correlation between KAT and ESN is 0.71, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

KAT vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

KAT

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 93
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 92
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

KAT vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Scharf ETF (KAT) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). 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.

	KAT	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.65	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.65	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.46	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.12	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.52	—

Drawdowns

KAT vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KAT drawdown since its inception was -9.25%, smaller than the maximum ESN drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KAT and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	KAT	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.25%	-13.60%	+4.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-0.53%	-1.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.46%	-1.81%	-1.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KAT	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.65%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.48%	9.98%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.48%	13.04%	-2.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.48%	13.04%	-2.56%

KAT vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

KAT has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

KAT vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

KAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than ESN's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.78%	0.91%	0.76%
KAT Scharf ETF	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KAT and ESN in my portfolio?

KAT and ESN have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KAT or ESN?

On fees, ESN is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KAT or ESN?

ESN is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for KAT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KAT or ESN?

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.08% for KAT.

What is the main difference between KAT and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: Scharf Investments and KKM. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for KAT and 0.70% for ESN.