BUFP vs. KJAN

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

BUFP (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF) and KJAN (Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - January) are both Defined Outcome funds - BUFP tracks the S&P 500 while KJAN tracks the iShares Russell 2000 ETF. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BUFP returned 14.46% vs 19.90% for KJAN. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for KJAN.

Performance

BUFP vs. KJAN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - January (KJAN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFP achieves a 7.12% return, which is significantly lower than KJAN's 10.25% return.

BUFP

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 1.46%
• 6M: 6.33%
• YTD: 7.12%
• 1Y: 14.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KJAN

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.39%
• 6M: 7.50%
• YTD: 10.25%
• 1Y: 19.90%
• 3Y*: 12.32%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFP vs. KJAN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	7.12%	12.92%	6.30%
KJAN Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - January	10.25%	10.90%	6.81%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFP and KJAN is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2024	0.74

The correlation between BUFP and KJAN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUFP vs. KJAN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUFP	KJAN
Technology	38.4%	19.1%
Financial Services	11.0%	15.5%
Communication Services	10.8%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	8.0%
Healthcare	8.4%	16.2%
Industrials	7.9%	17.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	2.3%
Energy	3.2%	5.5%
Utilities	2.1%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.8%	5.9%
Basic Materials	1.7%	4.6%

Return for Risk

BUFP vs. KJAN — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFP

BUFP Risk / Return Rank: 88
BUFP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BUFP Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFP Omega Ratio Rank: 90
BUFP Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFP Martin Ratio Rank: 92

KJAN

KJAN Risk / Return Rank: 76
KJAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
KJAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
KJAN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
KJAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
KJAN 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.

BUFP vs. KJAN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - January (KJAN). 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.

	BUFP	KJAN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.80	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.34	2.66	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.33	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	3.54	-0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.66	12.51	+5.14

BUFP vs. KJAN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFP Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the KJAN Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFP and KJAN, 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

BUFP vs. KJAN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFP drawdown since its inception was -11.98%, smaller than the maximum KJAN drawdown of -28.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFP and KJAN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFP	KJAN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.98%	-28.94%	+16.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-5.42%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.83%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.11%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.98%	-4.05%	+3.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.81%	1.53%	-0.72%

Volatility

BUFP vs. KJAN - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) has a higher volatility of 1.95% compared to Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - January (KJAN) at 1.70%. This indicates that BUFP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KJAN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFP	KJAN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.95%	1.70%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.16%	6.50%	-1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.34%	10.68%	-4.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.37%	13.04%	-3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.37%	15.33%	-5.96%

BUFP vs. KJAN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than KJAN's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFP vs. KJAN - Dividend Comparison

BUFP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while KJAN has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.02%
KJAN Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFP and KJAN in my portfolio?

BUFP and KJAN have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFP or KJAN?

BUFP has higher volatility (1.95%) compared to KJAN (1.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFP dropped -11.98% vs KJAN's -28.94%.

Which ETF is better, BUFP or KJAN?

On 1-year performance, KJAN leads with 19.90% vs 14.46% for BUFP. On fees, BUFP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, KJAN has been the lower-risk option at 1.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFP or KJAN?

Over the 1-year period, KJAN has performed better with a 19.90% return vs 14.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFP or KJAN?

BUFP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KJAN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFP or KJAN?

BUFP has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for KJAN.

What is the main difference between BUFP and KJAN?

BUFP tracks S&P 500, while KJAN tracks iShares Russell 2000 ETF. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUFP and 0.79% for KJAN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.80), 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.