CPRO vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CPRO (Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - October) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CPRO returned 13.53% vs 12.60% for PBFR. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPRO charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

CPRO vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - October (CPRO) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with CPRO having a 4.39% return and PBFR slightly higher at 4.45%.

CPRO

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 4.39%
• 6M: 4.04%
• 1Y: 13.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 4.45%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 12.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPRO vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CPRO Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - October	4.39%	8.34%	0.22%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.45%	10.44%	1.92%

Correlation

The correlation between CPRO and PBFR is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2024	0.67

The correlation between CPRO and PBFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CPRO vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPRO

CPRO Risk / Return Rank: 94
CPRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
CPRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
CPRO Omega Ratio Rank: 94
CPRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
CPRO Martin Ratio Rank: 95

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 91
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

CPRO vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - October (CPRO) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	CPRO	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	2.91	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.55	4.23	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	1.64	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.68	4.49	+3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.45	23.30	+5.15

CPRO vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPRO Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPRO and PBFR, 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

CPRO vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPRO drawdown since its inception was -3.36%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPRO and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPRO	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.36%	-8.50%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.77%	-2.82%	+1.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.29%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.69%	-0.63%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	0.54%	-0.06%

Volatility

CPRO vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - October (CPRO) is 0.77%, while PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) has a volatility of 1.27%. This indicates that CPRO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPRO	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	1.27%	-0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.12%	3.51%	-1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.49%	4.35%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.13%	6.86%	-2.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.13%	6.86%	-2.73%

CPRO vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPRO has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPRO vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CPRO Calamos Russell 2000 Structured Alt Protection ETF - October	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPRO and PBFR in my portfolio?

CPRO and PBFR have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPRO or PBFR?

PBFR has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to CPRO (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPRO dropped -3.36% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, CPRO or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, CPRO leads with 13.53% vs 12.60% for PBFR. On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, CPRO has been the lower-risk option at 0.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPRO or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, CPRO has performed better with a 13.53% return vs 12.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPRO or PBFR?

PBFR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for CPRO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPRO or PBFR?

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for CPRO.

What is the main difference between CPRO and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: Calamos and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for CPRO and 0.50% for PBFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 2.91), 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.