NGUAX vs. NML

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NGUAX (Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund) and NML (Neuberger Berman MLP) are both mutual funds - NGUAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Neuberger Berman, while NML is a MLPs fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman. Over the past 10 years, NGUAX returned 16.03%/yr vs 9.76%/yr for NML. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NGUAX charges 0.82%/yr vs 2.72%/yr for NML.

Performance

NGUAX vs. NML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NGUAX achieves a 2.56% return, which is significantly lower than NML's 19.17% return. Over the past 10 years, NGUAX has outperformed NML with an annualized return of 16.03%, while NML has yielded a comparatively lower 9.76% annualized return.

NGUAX

• 1D: -1.61%
• 1M: -2.90%
• YTD: 2.56%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 12.38%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 10.67%
• 10Y*: 16.03%

NML

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -6.15%
• YTD: 19.17%
• 6M: 20.30%
• 1Y: 20.20%
• 3Y*: 26.00%
• 5Y*: 22.98%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

NGUAX vs. NML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	2.56%	14.38%	23.80%	35.98%	-24.47%	27.43%	34.56%	36.69%	-7.16%	25.28%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	19.17%	4.36%	40.55%	14.61%	32.75%	61.76%	-45.84%	10.60%	-23.02%	7.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NGUAX and NML is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2013	0.35

The correlation between NGUAX and NML shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.36 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NGUAX vs. NML — Risk / Return Rank

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

NGUAX

NGUAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
NGUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
NGUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
NGUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
NGUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
NGUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

NML

NML Risk / Return Rank: 24
NML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
NML Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
NML Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NML Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
NML Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

NGUAX vs. NML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). 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.

	NGUAX	NML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	1.18	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	1.65	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.21	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	2.10	-1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.41	5.59	-2.17

NGUAX vs. NML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NGUAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is comparable to the NML Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NGUAX and NML, 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

NGUAX vs. NML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NGUAX drawdown since its inception was -78.07%, smaller than the maximum NML drawdown of -90.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NGUAX and NML.

Drawdown Indicators

	NGUAX	NML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.07%	-90.48%	+12.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.16%	-9.67%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.89%	-16.92%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.43%	-21.40%	-7.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.99%	-84.84%	+52.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.57%	-7.30%	+2.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.83%	-36.94%	+5.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.16%	3.63%	+0.53%

Volatility

NGUAX vs. NML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund (NGUAX) is 5.33%, while Neuberger Berman MLP (NML) has a volatility of 6.11%. This indicates that NGUAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NGUAX	NML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.33%	6.11%	-0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.17%	13.70%	-2.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.16%	17.25%	-3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.37%	23.81%	-5.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.29%	35.08%	-16.79%

NGUAX vs. NML - Expense Ratio Comparison

NGUAX has a 0.82% expense ratio, which is lower than NML's 2.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

NGUAX vs. NML - Dividend Comparison

NGUAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.12%, more than NML's 7.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NGUAX Neuberger Berman Guardian Fund	12.12%	12.43%	6.01%	4.30%	6.62%	10.92%	7.60%	6.21%	11.21%	6.87%	13.11%	12.82%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	7.55%	8.24%	7.94%	10.19%	4.26%	3.54%	8.33%	9.76%	9.87%	7.04%	8.63%	15.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NGUAX and NML in my portfolio?

NGUAX and NML have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NGUAX or NML?

NML has higher volatility (6.11%) compared to NGUAX (5.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NGUAX dropped -78.07% vs NML's -90.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 1.01), 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.