CCSMX vs. CCALX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

CCSMX (Conestoga SMid Cap Fund) and CCALX (Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - CCSMX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Conestoga Capital Advisors, while CCALX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Conestoga Capital Advisors. Over the past 10 years, CCSMX returned 9.16%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for CCALX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CCSMX charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for CCALX.

Performance

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CCSMX achieves a -6.02% return, which is significantly lower than CCALX's 4.98% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CCSMX having a 9.16% annualized return and CCALX not far behind at 9.15%.

CCSMX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 1.56%
• 6M: -10.79%
• YTD: -6.02%
• 1Y: -10.42%
• 3Y*: 1.08%
• 5Y*: -2.21%
• 10Y*: 9.16%

CCALX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 2.20%
• 6M: -1.05%
• YTD: 4.98%
• 1Y: 0.78%
• 3Y*: 2.03%
• 5Y*: -0.56%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CCSMX Conestoga SMid Cap Fund	-6.02%	-5.91%	10.44%	25.77%	-29.47%	15.26%	28.44%	33.48%	-0.09%	34.11%
CCALX Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class	4.98%	-10.83%	8.96%	22.36%	-28.16%	16.25%	30.59%	25.42%	0.79%	28.72%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

CCSMX vs. CCALX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

CCALX

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

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.

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	CCSMX	CCALX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.69	-0.05	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.93	0.06	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.01	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	-0.07	-0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	-0.18	-1.07

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CCSMX Sharpe Ratio is -0.69, which is lower than the CCALX Sharpe Ratio of -0.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CCSMX and CCALX, 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

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	CCSMX	CCALX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.34%	-38.06%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.40%	-14.47%	-3.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.00%	-27.69%	+2.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.34%	-38.06%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.34%	-38.06%	+0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.67%	-14.99%	-4.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.29%	-10.35%	+0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.38%	5.56%	+3.82%

Volatility

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Conestoga SMid Cap Fund (CCSMX) is 5.20%, while Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class (CCALX) has a volatility of 5.67%. This indicates that CCSMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CCALX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CCSMX	CCALX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.20%	5.67%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.33%	13.96%	-1.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.94%	19.02%	-2.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.57%	21.88%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.34%	21.48%	-1.14%

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

CCSMX vs. CCALX - Dividend Comparison

CCSMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, less than CCALX's 5.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CCALX Conestoga Small Cap Fund Institutional Class	5.17%	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 CCSMX and CCALX in my portfolio?

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

CCALX has higher volatility (5.67%) compared to CCSMX (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CCSMX dropped -37.34% vs CCALX's -38.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CCALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.05 vs -0.69), 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.