NOVP vs. SMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NOVP (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November) and SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NOVP returned 16.66% vs 9.07% for SMAX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

NOVP vs. SMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November (NOVP) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NOVP achieves a 6.63% return, which is significantly higher than SMAX's 3.21% return.

NOVP

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 6.56%
• 1Y: 16.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMAX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 3.24%
• 1Y: 9.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NOVP vs. SMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NOVP PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November	6.63%	12.14%	3.42%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	3.21%	8.01%	1.06%

Correlation

The correlation between NOVP and SMAX is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2024	0.84

The correlation between NOVP and SMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NOVP vs. SMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NOVP

NOVP Risk / Return Rank: 73
NOVP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
NOVP Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
NOVP Omega Ratio Rank: 80
NOVP Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
NOVP Martin Ratio Rank: 77

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

NOVP vs. SMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November (NOVP) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). 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.

	NOVP	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	3.36	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.21	5.17	-1.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.72	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	4.76	-1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.20	25.48	-11.28

NOVP vs. SMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NOVP Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is lower than the SMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NOVP and SMAX, 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

NOVP vs. SMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NOVP drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, which is greater than SMAX's maximum drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NOVP and SMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NOVP	SMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-3.90%	-7.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.74%	-1.91%	-3.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-0.07%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.02%	-0.40%	-0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.18%	0.36%	+0.82%

Volatility

NOVP vs. SMAX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November (NOVP) has a higher volatility of 2.56% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) at 0.73%. This indicates that NOVP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NOVP	SMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.56%	0.73%	+1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.36%	2.17%	+4.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.41%	2.71%	+4.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.64%	3.65%	+5.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.64%	3.65%	+5.99%

NOVP vs. SMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NOVP and SMAX have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

NOVP vs. SMAX - Dividend Comparison

NOVP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
NOVP PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NOVP and SMAX in my portfolio?

NOVP and SMAX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NOVP or SMAX?

NOVP has higher volatility (2.56%) compared to SMAX (0.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NOVP dropped -11.79% vs SMAX's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, NOVP or SMAX?

On 1-year performance, NOVP leads with 16.66% vs 9.07% for SMAX. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, SMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NOVP or SMAX?

Over the 1-year period, NOVP has performed better with a 16.66% return vs 9.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NOVP or SMAX?

NOVP and SMAX have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NOVP or SMAX?

SMAX has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.00% for NOVP.

What is the main difference between NOVP and SMAX?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.36 vs 2.26), 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.