PBAU vs. PMAU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PBAU (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August) and PMAU (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August) are both Defined Outcome funds from PGIM. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

PBAU vs. PMAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBAU achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly higher than PMAU's 3.18% return.

PBAU

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 4.58%
• 6M: 4.61%
• 1Y: 13.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMAU

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 3.18%
• 6M: 3.27%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBAU vs. PMAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBAU PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August	4.58%	4.46%
PMAU PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August	3.18%	2.94%

Correlation

The correlation between PBAU and PMAU is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

PBAU vs. PMAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBAU

PBAU Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBAU Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
PBAU Martin Ratio Rank: 92

PMAU

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

PBAU vs. PMAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU). 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.

	PBAU	PMAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.88	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.27	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.20	—	—

Drawdowns

PBAU vs. PMAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBAU drawdown since its inception was -8.87%, which is greater than PMAU's maximum drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBAU and PMAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBAU	PMAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-1.79%	-7.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	0.00%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.65%	-0.17%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.62%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBAU	PMAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.88%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.64%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.77%	2.48%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.15%	2.48%	+4.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.15%	2.48%	+4.67%

PBAU vs. PMAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PBAU and PMAU have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

PBAU vs. PMAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBAU nor PMAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBAU and PMAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PBAU and PMAU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, PBAU or PMAU?

Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBAU or PMAU?

PBAU and PMAU have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBAU or PMAU?

PBAU and PMAU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.