FRNKX vs. ARFFX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FRNKX (Frank Value Fund) and ARFFX (Ariel Focus Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FRNKX returned 7.78%/yr vs 10.48%/yr for ARFFX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FRNKX charges 1.37%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for ARFFX.

Performance

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frank Value Fund (FRNKX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FRNKX having a 9.89% return and ARFFX slightly lower at 9.83%. Over the past 10 years, FRNKX has underperformed ARFFX with an annualized return of 7.78%, while ARFFX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.48% annualized return.

FRNKX

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: -1.29%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 6M: 9.60%
• 1Y: 17.19%
• 3Y*: 17.54%
• 5Y*: 11.42%
• 10Y*: 7.78%

ARFFX

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 9.83%
• 6M: 11.86%
• 1Y: 38.53%
• 3Y*: 17.78%
• 5Y*: 6.82%
• 10Y*: 10.48%

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

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FRNKX Frank Value Fund	9.89%	12.05%	19.31%	14.88%	4.23%	6.46%	12.84%	4.15%	-2.24%	-2.81%
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	9.83%	21.00%	13.39%	6.98%	-9.12%	21.14%	6.90%	25.62%	-13.23%	15.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FRNKX and ARFFX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 6, 2005	0.76

The correlation between FRNKX and ARFFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FRNKX vs. ARFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRNKX

FRNKX Risk / Return Rank: 23
FRNKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
FRNKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FRNKX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FRNKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FRNKX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

ARFFX

ARFFX Risk / Return Rank: 80
ARFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
ARFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
ARFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
ARFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
ARFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frank Value Fund (FRNKX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). 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.

	FRNKX	ARFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	2.83	-1.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	4.04	-2.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.50	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.37	4.71	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.08	12.05	-5.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRNKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the ARFFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRNKX and ARFFX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FRNKX	ARFFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	2.83	-1.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	0.37	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.01	0.53	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.01	0.36	-0.35

Drawdowns

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRNKX drawdown since its inception was -97.09%, which is greater than ARFFX's maximum drawdown of -57.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRNKX and ARFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRNKX	ARFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.09%	-57.66%	-39.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.95%	-8.02%	+1.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-97.09%	-23.39%	-73.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-97.09%	-24.50%	-72.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-97.09%	-43.22%	-53.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-95.88%	-3.04%	-92.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.03%	-9.45%	-2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.71%	3.13%	-0.42%

Volatility

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Volatility Comparison

Frank Value Fund (FRNKX) has a higher volatility of 3.96% compared to Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX) at 3.14%. This indicates that FRNKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARFFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRNKX	ARFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	3.14%	+0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.53%	9.34%	+1.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.91%	13.37%	+1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1,805.06%	18.54%	+1,786.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1,276.35%	19.86%	+1,256.49%

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRNKX has a 1.37% expense ratio, which is higher than ARFFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRNKX vs. ARFFX - Dividend Comparison

FRNKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.90%, less than ARFFX's 11.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	11.55%	12.68%	2.27%	3.33%	8.30%	3.30%	2.41%	1.03%	7.61%	5.76%	1.04%	13.91%
FRNKX Frank Value Fund	10.90%	11.98%	4.63%	10.14%	8.10%	4.93%	0.00%	0.23%	3.23%	0.00%	3.00%	7.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRNKX and ARFFX in my portfolio?

FRNKX and ARFFX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRNKX or ARFFX?

FRNKX has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to ARFFX (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRNKX dropped -97.09% vs ARFFX's -57.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.83 vs 1.11), 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.