CCSMX vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

CCSMX (Conestoga SMid Cap Fund) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, CCSMX returned 9.53%/yr vs 15.31%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CCSMX charges 1.10%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CCSMX achieves a -8.91% return, which is significantly lower than PKSFX's 5.88% return. Over the past 10 years, CCSMX has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 9.53%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.31% annualized return.

CCSMX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -1.20%
• YTD: -8.91%
• 6M: -10.76%
• 1Y: -12.72%
• 3Y*: 1.28%
• 5Y*: -2.42%
• 10Y*: 9.53%

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 2.86%
• YTD: 5.88%
• 6M: 3.70%
• 1Y: 5.71%
• 3Y*: 11.31%
• 5Y*: 8.34%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CCSMX Conestoga SMid Cap Fund	-8.91%	-5.91%	10.44%	25.77%	-29.47%	15.26%	28.44%	33.48%	-0.09%	34.11%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	5.88%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-1.99%	34.98%

Correlation

The correlation between CCSMX and PKSFX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2014	0.87

The correlation between CCSMX and PKSFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CCSMX vs. PKSFX — 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

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 6
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	CCSMX	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	0.43	-1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.94	0.77	-1.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.08	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.63	0.60	-1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.29	1.20	-2.50

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CCSMX Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is lower than the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CCSMX 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

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CCSMX drawdown since its inception was -37.34%, smaller than the maximum PKSFX drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CCSMX and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CCSMX	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.34%	-54.46%	+17.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.40%	-11.19%	-7.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.00%	-21.82%	-3.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.34%	-22.02%	-15.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.34%	-33.45%	-3.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.14%	-5.55%	-16.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-7.17%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.01%	5.55%	+3.46%

Volatility

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

Conestoga SMid Cap Fund (CCSMX) has a higher volatility of 4.72% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 4.12%. This indicates that CCSMX'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

	CCSMX	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.72%	4.12%	+0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.20%	11.31%	+0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.86%	15.58%	+1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.52%	17.96%	+2.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.37%	18.81%	+1.56%

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CCSMX has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

CCSMX vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

CCSMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, less than PKSFX's 13.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CCSMX Conestoga SMid Cap Fund	2.39%	2.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.33%	1.04%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.51%	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 CCSMX and PKSFX in my portfolio?

CCSMX and PKSFX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CCSMX or PKSFX?

CCSMX has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to PKSFX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CCSMX dropped -37.34% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.43 vs -0.70), 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.