ALFAX vs. BUFSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ALFAX (Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund) and BUFSX (Buffalo Small Cap Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ALFAX returned 11.33%/yr vs 11.65%/yr for BUFSX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ALFAX charges 1.40%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for BUFSX.

Performance

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (ALFAX) and Buffalo Small Cap Fund (BUFSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALFAX achieves a 22.34% return, which is significantly higher than BUFSX's 17.29% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ALFAX having a 11.33% annualized return and BUFSX not far ahead at 11.65%.

ALFAX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 22.34%
• 6M: 19.97%
• 1Y: 35.19%
• 3Y*: 17.23%
• 5Y*: 5.91%
• 10Y*: 11.33%

BUFSX

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 5.44%
• YTD: 17.29%
• 6M: 14.60%
• 1Y: 23.70%
• 3Y*: 7.65%
• 5Y*: -3.61%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

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

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALFAX Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund	22.34%	8.80%	13.18%	13.92%	-23.50%	15.01%	26.16%	24.95%	-9.72%	20.61%
BUFSX Buffalo Small Cap Fund	17.29%	-0.13%	5.38%	5.45%	-30.01%	4.44%	66.49%	40.97%	-5.73%	26.96%

Correlation

The correlation between ALFAX and BUFSX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 14, 1998	0.89

The correlation between ALFAX and BUFSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ALFAX vs. BUFSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALFAX

ALFAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
ALFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ALFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ALFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
ALFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ALFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

BUFSX

BUFSX Risk / Return Rank: 24
BUFSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
BUFSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
BUFSX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
BUFSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BUFSX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (ALFAX) and Buffalo Small Cap Fund (BUFSX). 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.

	ALFAX	BUFSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.26	+0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	1.89	+1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.22	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	1.67	+1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.63	6.12	+7.51

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is higher than the BUFSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALFAX and BUFSX, 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

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALFAX drawdown since its inception was -57.11%, which is greater than BUFSX's maximum drawdown of -53.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALFAX and BUFSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALFAX	BUFSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.11%	-53.24%	-3.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.31%	-14.92%	+4.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.01%	-26.39%	+1.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.88%	-46.57%	+12.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.29%	-46.74%	+6.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-20.11%	+20.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.85%	-12.93%	+0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	4.06%	-1.36%

Volatility

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Volatility Comparison

Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (ALFAX) and Buffalo Small Cap Fund (BUFSX) have volatilities of 6.76% and 6.70%, 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

	ALFAX	BUFSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.76%	6.70%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	14.57%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	19.71%	-1.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.00%	24.60%	-4.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.79%	24.63%	-3.84%

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALFAX has a 1.40% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFSX's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALFAX vs. BUFSX - Dividend Comparison

ALFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.34%, while BUFSX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALFAX Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund	4.34%	5.30%	0.80%	0.46%	6.94%	5.38%	7.99%	14.66%	16.61%	11.96%	11.85%	15.83%
BUFSX Buffalo Small Cap Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	13.53%	9.01%	9.14%	31.02%	30.30%	25.19%	70.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALFAX and BUFSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ALFAX and BUFSX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ALFAX or BUFSX?

ALFAX has higher volatility (6.76%) compared to BUFSX (6.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALFAX dropped -57.11% vs BUFSX's -53.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.26), 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.