BUFB vs. ZAPR

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR).

BUFB and ZAPR are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. BUFB is a passively managed fund by Innovator that tracks the performance of the MerQube U.S. Large Cap Equity Buffer Laddered Index - Benchmark TR Gross. It was launched on Feb 8, 2022. ZAPR is an actively managed fund by Innovator. It was launched on Apr 1, 2025.

Performance

BUFB vs. ZAPR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

BUFB vs. ZAPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	-1.98%	16.23%
ZAPR Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April	1.24%	5.29%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFB achieves a -1.98% return, which is significantly lower than ZAPR's 1.24% return.

BUFB

• 1D: 1.90%
• 1M: -2.74%
• YTD: -1.98%
• 6M: 0.48%
• 1Y: 14.29%
• 3Y*: 13.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZAPR

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 1.24%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFB vs. ZAPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFB has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than ZAPR's 0.79% expense ratio.

BUFB

Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF

ZAPR

Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April

Return for Risk

BUFB vs. ZAPR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFB

BUFB Risk / Return Rank: 70
BUFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
BUFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
BUFB Omega Ratio Rank: 75
BUFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
BUFB Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

BUFB vs. ZAPR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). 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.

	BUFB	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.88	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFB	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.12	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.74	2.55	-1.80

Correlation

The correlation between BUFB and ZAPR is 0.69, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

BUFB vs. ZAPR - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFB nor ZAPR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Drawdowns

BUFB vs. ZAPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFB drawdown since its inception was -14.88%, which is greater than ZAPR's maximum drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFB and ZAPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFB	ZAPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.88%	-1.72%	-13.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.31%	0.00%	-3.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-0.10%	-2.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.66%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFB	ZAPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.89%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.85%	2.62%	+10.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.17%	2.62%	+9.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.17%	2.62%	+9.55%