GASFX vs. PRUAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GASFX (Hennessy Gas Utility Fund) and PRUAX (PGIM Jennison Utility Fund) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GASFX returned 9.14%/yr vs 10.71%/yr for PRUAX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GASFX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for PRUAX.

Performance

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX) and PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (PRUAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GASFX achieves a 10.54% return, which is significantly higher than PRUAX's 6.52% return. Over the past 10 years, GASFX has underperformed PRUAX with an annualized return of 9.14%, while PRUAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.71% annualized return.

GASFX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -3.00%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 10.65%
• 1Y: 14.50%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 13.35%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

PRUAX

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 6.52%
• 1Y: 13.81%
• 3Y*: 18.73%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 10.71%

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

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GASFX Hennessy Gas Utility Fund	10.54%	10.42%	24.98%	0.27%	13.68%	19.60%	-9.34%	20.80%	-3.47%	7.04%
PRUAX PGIM Jennison Utility Fund	6.52%	11.47%	39.83%	-3.96%	-0.18%	14.89%	4.14%	27.06%	1.14%	13.78%

Correlation

The correlation between GASFX and PRUAX 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	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1991	0.89

Over the past year, the correlation between GASFX and PRUAX has dropped to 0.64 - well below their long-term average of 0.89, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

GASFX vs. PRUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GASFX

GASFX Risk / Return Rank: 27
GASFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
GASFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
GASFX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
GASFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
GASFX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

PRUAX

PRUAX Risk / Return Rank: 16
PRUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
PRUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
PRUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
PRUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
PRUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX) and PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (PRUAX). 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.

	GASFX	PRUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	0.98	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	1.38	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.18	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	1.66	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.45	3.54	+2.91

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GASFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is higher than the PRUAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GASFX and PRUAX, 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

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GASFX drawdown since its inception was -49.33%, smaller than the maximum PRUAX drawdown of -58.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GASFX and PRUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GASFX	PRUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.33%	-58.20%	+8.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.95%	-9.25%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.43%	-14.92%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.25%	-20.65%	+2.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.23%	-35.54%	-1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.09%	-4.33%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.85%	-9.42%	+1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.39%	4.33%	-1.94%

Volatility

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX) is 4.48%, while PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (PRUAX) has a volatility of 5.53%. This indicates that GASFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PRUAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GASFX	PRUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	5.53%	-1.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.15%	12.65%	-3.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.94%	15.73%	-3.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.44%	17.23%	-1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.70%	17.92%	-0.22%

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GASFX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than PRUAX's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

GASFX vs. PRUAX - Dividend Comparison

GASFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.98%, more than PRUAX's 10.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GASFX Hennessy Gas Utility Fund	10.98%	12.06%	7.36%	6.63%	15.49%	10.63%	10.93%	7.11%	12.31%	2.96%	3.52%	5.64%
PRUAX PGIM Jennison Utility Fund	10.28%	11.24%	18.59%	9.82%	8.33%	13.94%	2.07%	5.62%	9.19%	4.19%	7.64%	11.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GASFX and PRUAX in my portfolio?

GASFX and PRUAX 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, GASFX or PRUAX?

PRUAX has higher volatility (5.53%) compared to GASFX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GASFX dropped -49.33% vs PRUAX's -58.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GASFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.98), 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.