KNGZ vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

KNGZ (First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KNGZ is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index, while PBFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. KNGZ is passively managed, while PBFR is actively managed. Over the past year, KNGZ returned 32.10% vs 12.96% for PBFR. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KNGZ achieves a 17.00% return, which is significantly higher than PBFR's 4.65% return.

KNGZ

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 7.21%
• YTD: 17.00%
• 6M: 16.85%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 18.11%
• 5Y*: 9.34%
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 1.31%
• YTD: 4.65%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 12.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KNGZ First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF	17.00%	14.27%	3.62%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.65%	10.44%	5.53%

Correlation

The correlation between KNGZ and PBFR 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2024	0.67

The correlation between KNGZ and PBFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KNGZ	PBFR
Financial Services	14.9%	11.9%
Industrials	14.9%	8.1%
Technology	14.9%	36.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	10.1%
Healthcare	11.9%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.9%	4.9%
Real Estate	5.9%	1.9%
Utilities	5.9%	2.3%
Communication Services	5.0%	10.9%
Energy	4.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

KNGZ vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNGZ

KNGZ Risk / Return Rank: 71
KNGZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
KNGZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
KNGZ Omega Ratio Rank: 71
KNGZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
KNGZ Martin Ratio Rank: 64

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 91
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 94
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.

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) 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.

	KNGZ	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	3.01	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	4.40	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.66	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	4.62	-1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.53	24.33	-12.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNGZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 3.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNGZ 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KNGZ	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38	3.01	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.62	1.55	-0.93

Drawdowns

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNGZ drawdown since its inception was -37.44%, which is greater than PBFR's maximum drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNGZ and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNGZ	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.44%	-8.50%	-28.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-2.82%	-6.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.70%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.03%	-0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-0.63%	-4.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	0.53%	+2.26%

Volatility

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) has a higher volatility of 3.76% compared to PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) at 0.55%. This indicates that KNGZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KNGZ	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.76%	0.55%	+3.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	3.34%	+6.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.55%	4.32%	+9.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	6.89%	+9.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.87%	6.89%	+11.98%

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both KNGZ and PBFR have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

KNGZ vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

KNGZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, more than PBFR's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KNGZ First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF	2.32%	2.70%	2.55%	3.10%	2.52%	1.95%	2.44%	2.85%	4.09%	1.10%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNGZ and PBFR in my portfolio?

KNGZ and PBFR 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, KNGZ or PBFR?

KNGZ has higher volatility (3.76%) compared to PBFR (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNGZ dropped -37.44% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, KNGZ or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, KNGZ leads with 32.10% vs 12.96% for PBFR. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, PBFR has been the lower-risk option at 0.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNGZ or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, KNGZ has performed better with a 32.10% return vs 12.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNGZ or PBFR?

KNGZ and PBFR have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

KNGZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.32%, compared with 0.01% for PBFR.

What is the main difference between KNGZ and PBFR?

KNGZ is categorized as S&P 500, while PBFR is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and PGIM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.01 vs 2.38), 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.