CIMDX vs. CISMX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CIMDX (Clarkston Founders Fund) and CISMX (Clarkston Partners Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds from Clarkston Funds. Over the past 5 years, CIMDX returned 1.30%/yr vs -0.39%/yr for CISMX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CIMDX charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for CISMX.

Performance

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Clarkston Founders Fund (CIMDX) and Clarkston Partners Fund (CISMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

CIMDX

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: -6.33%
• 6M: -7.11%
• 1Y: 0.62%
• 3Y*: 3.73%
• 5Y*: 1.30%
• 10Y*: —

CISMX

• 1D: 1.04%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 6M: -1.41%
• 1Y: 1.97%
• 3Y*: -0.91%
• 5Y*: -0.39%
• 10Y*: 6.18%

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

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIMDX Clarkston Founders Fund	-6.33%	7.35%	5.67%	10.38%	-3.67%	6.23%	23.21%	23.74%	-7.85%	11.25%
CISMX Clarkston Partners Fund	0.00%	-8.37%	4.49%	6.41%	-0.40%	7.94%	17.42%	23.98%	-7.25%	12.54%

Correlation

The correlation between CIMDX and CISMX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.96

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

Return for Risk

CIMDX vs. CISMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIMDX

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

CISMX

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

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.

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Clarkston Founders Fund (CIMDX) and Clarkston Partners Fund (CISMX). 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.

	CIMDX	CISMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.05	0.12	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.19	0.31	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.03	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.07	0.20	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.15	0.45	-0.29

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIMDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is lower than the CISMX Sharpe Ratio of 0.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIMDX and CISMX, 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

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIMDX drawdown since its inception was -31.86%, smaller than the maximum CISMX drawdown of -33.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIMDX and CISMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIMDX	CISMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.86%	-33.80%	+1.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.30%	-10.54%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.82%	-21.19%	+6.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.98%	-21.19%	+3.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.80%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.86%	-14.41%	+4.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.92%	-6.72%	+0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.88%	4.79%	+0.09%

Volatility

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Volatility Comparison

Clarkston Founders Fund (CIMDX) and Clarkston Partners Fund (CISMX) have volatilities of 4.69% and 4.69%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIMDX	CISMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.69%	4.69%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.28%	12.70%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.20%	17.21%	-1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.03%	17.50%	-1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.50%	18.31%	-0.81%

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIMDX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than CISMX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIMDX vs. CISMX - Dividend Comparison

CIMDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.46%, less than CISMX's 4.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIMDX Clarkston Founders Fund	3.46%	3.24%	0.45%	1.62%	6.38%	0.44%	0.91%	3.32%	2.27%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%
CISMX Clarkston Partners Fund	4.65%	4.65%	1.05%	3.76%	16.95%	0.81%	3.73%	3.79%	7.15%	1.30%	1.17%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIMDX and CISMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, CIMDX and CISMX 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, CIMDX or CISMX?

CISMX has higher volatility (4.69%) compared to CIMDX (4.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIMDX dropped -31.86% vs CISMX's -33.80%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CISMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.12 vs 0.05), 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.