PCS vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PCS (PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PCS is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by PGIM, while PBFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PCS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

PCS vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) 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, PCS achieves a 1.25% return, which is significantly lower than PBFR's 4.65% return.

PCS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 1.25%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

PCS vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCS PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF	1.25%	2.22%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.65%	5.19%

Correlation

The correlation between PCS and PBFR is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2025	0.35

Return for Risk

PCS vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

PCS vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PCS	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.64	1.55	+1.09

Drawdowns

PCS vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCS drawdown since its inception was -1.12%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCS and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCS	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-8.50%	+7.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.03%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.13%	-0.63%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCS	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.55%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.34%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59%	4.32%	-2.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.59%	6.89%	-5.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.59%	6.89%	-5.30%

PCS vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCS has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCS vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

PCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, more than PBFR's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
PCS PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF	4.01%	1.92%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCS and PBFR in my portfolio?

PCS and PBFR have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PCS or PBFR?

On fees, PCS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCS or PBFR?

PCS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBFR.

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

PCS has the higher dividend yield at 4.01%, compared with 0.01% for PBFR.

What is the main difference between PCS and PBFR?

PCS is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while PBFR is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PCS and 0.50% for PBFR.