BMDSX vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BMDSX (Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, BMDSX returned 9.14%/yr vs 15.33%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BMDSX charges 1.05%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund (BMDSX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BMDSX having a 6.33% return and PKSFX slightly lower at 6.08%. Over the past 10 years, BMDSX has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 9.14%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.33% annualized return.

BMDSX

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 6.33%
• 6M: 4.17%
• 1Y: 0.93%
• 3Y*: 0.48%
• 5Y*: -1.43%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 6.08%
• 6M: 4.14%
• 1Y: 6.87%
• 3Y*: 11.38%
• 5Y*: 8.58%
• 10Y*: 15.33%

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

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BMDSX Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund	6.33%	-9.55%	-1.16%	19.91%	-27.86%	21.81%	34.56%	35.94%	-1.52%	26.61%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	6.08%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-1.99%	34.98%

Correlation

The correlation between BMDSX and PKSFX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2000	0.88

The correlation between BMDSX and PKSFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BMDSX vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BMDSX

BMDSX Risk / Return Rank: 3
BMDSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BMDSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BMDSX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BMDSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BMDSX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund (BMDSX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). 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.

	BMDSX	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.11	0.58	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.27	0.98	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.11	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.12	0.80	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.25	1.62	-1.36

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BMDSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.11, which is lower than the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BMDSX and PKSFX, 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

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BMDSX drawdown since its inception was -53.96%, roughly equal to the maximum PKSFX drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BMDSX and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BMDSX	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.96%	-54.46%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.54%	-11.19%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.04%	-21.82%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.24%	-22.02%	-14.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.24%	-33.45%	-2.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.89%	-5.36%	-15.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.96%	-7.17%	-3.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.81%	5.54%	+1.27%

Volatility

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund (BMDSX) has a higher volatility of 4.53% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 4.11%. This indicates that BMDSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BMDSX	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	4.11%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.05%	11.31%	+0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.52%	15.61%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.08%	17.96%	+3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.82%	18.84%	+1.98%

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BMDSX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BMDSX vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

BMDSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.05%, less than PKSFX's 13.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BMDSX Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund	13.05%	13.88%	4.57%	2.44%	1.79%	17.82%	10.09%	5.77%	6.62%	4.87%	0.00%	0.15%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.48%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BMDSX and PKSFX in my portfolio?

BMDSX and PKSFX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BMDSX or PKSFX?

BMDSX has higher volatility (4.53%) compared to PKSFX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BMDSX dropped -53.96% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.58 vs 0.11), 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.