CCALX vs. CCSMX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

CCALX (Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class) and CCSMX (Conestoga SMid Cap Fund) are both mutual funds - CCALX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Conestoga Capital Advisors, while CCSMX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Conestoga Capital Advisors. Over the past 10 years, CCALX returned 9.20%/yr vs 9.26%/yr for CCSMX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CCALX charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for CCSMX.

Performance

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class (CCALX) and Conestoga SMid Cap Fund (CCSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CCALX achieves a 3.97% return, which is significantly higher than CCSMX's -6.15% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CCALX having a 9.20% annualized return and CCSMX not far ahead at 9.26%.

CCALX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: -2.89%
• YTD: 3.97%
• 1Y: 0.90%
• 3Y*: 1.28%
• 5Y*: -0.16%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

CCSMX

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: -11.56%
• YTD: -6.15%
• 1Y: -9.94%
• 3Y*: 0.73%
• 5Y*: -1.82%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CCALX Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class	3.97%	-10.83%	8.96%	22.36%	-28.16%	16.25%	30.59%	25.42%	0.79%	28.72%
CCSMX Conestoga SMid Cap Fund	-6.15%	-5.91%	10.44%	25.77%	-29.47%	15.26%	28.44%	33.48%	-0.09%	34.11%

Correlation

The correlation between CCALX and CCSMX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 14, 2014	0.96

The correlation between CCALX and CCSMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CCALX vs. CCSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CCALX

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

CCSMX

CCSMX Risk / Return Rank: 1
CCSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
CCSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
CCSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
CCSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
CCSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class (CCALX) and Conestoga SMid Cap Fund (CCSMX). 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.

	CCALX	CCSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.08	-0.56	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.26	-0.73	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	0.92	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.11	-0.51	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.28	-0.99	+1.28

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CCALX Sharpe Ratio is 0.08, which is higher than the CCSMX Sharpe Ratio of -0.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CCALX and CCSMX, 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

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CCALX drawdown since its inception was -38.06%, roughly equal to the maximum CCSMX drawdown of -37.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CCALX and CCSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CCALX	CCSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.06%	-37.34%	-0.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.47%	-18.40%	+3.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.69%	-25.00%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.06%	-37.34%	-0.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.06%	-37.34%	-0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.80%	-19.78%	+3.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.36%	-10.30%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.54%	9.48%	-3.94%

Volatility

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Volatility Comparison

Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class (CCALX) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to Conestoga SMid Cap Fund (CCSMX) at 4.44%. This indicates that CCALX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CCSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CCALX	CCSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	4.44%	+0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.92%	12.23%	+1.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.97%	16.90%	+2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.87%	20.57%	+1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.48%	20.34%	+1.14%

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CCALX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than CCSMX's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

CCALX vs. CCSMX - Dividend Comparison

CCALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.22%, more than CCSMX's 2.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CCALX Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class	5.22%	5.43%	0.00%	0.84%	4.04%	5.18%	0.00%	2.11%	1.45%	5.59%	1.18%	1.87%
CCSMX Conestoga SMid Cap Fund	2.32%	2.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.33%	1.04%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CCALX and CCSMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, CCALX and CCSMX 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, CCALX or CCSMX?

CCALX has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to CCSMX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CCALX dropped -38.06% vs CCSMX's -37.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CCALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.08 vs -0.56), 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.