PEMGX vs. PCBIX

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

PEMGX (Principal MidCap Fund Class A) and PCBIX (Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - PEMGX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Principal, while PCBIX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PEMGX returned 12.40%/yr vs 12.67%/yr for PCBIX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PEMGX charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.67%/yr for PCBIX.

Performance

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal MidCap Fund Class A (PEMGX) and Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PEMGX having a -6.16% return and PCBIX slightly higher at -6.05%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PEMGX having a 12.40% annualized return and PCBIX not far ahead at 12.67%.

PEMGX

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 2.69%
• YTD: -6.16%
• 6M: -7.75%
• 1Y: -8.82%
• 3Y*: 9.81%
• 5Y*: 4.39%
• 10Y*: 12.40%

PCBIX

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 2.71%
• YTD: -6.05%
• 6M: -7.65%
• 1Y: -8.61%
• 3Y*: 10.02%
• 5Y*: 4.62%
• 10Y*: 12.67%

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

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PEMGX Principal MidCap Fund Class A	-6.16%	1.39%	23.50%	25.60%	-23.35%	24.87%	17.95%	49.15%	-7.10%	24.93%
PCBIX Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class	-6.05%	1.62%	23.63%	25.92%	-23.16%	25.22%	18.25%	49.40%	-6.86%	25.32%

Correlation

The correlation between PEMGX and PCBIX is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2001	0.99

The correlation between PEMGX and PCBIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PEMGX vs. PCBIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEMGX

PEMGX Risk / Return Rank: 1
PEMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
PEMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PEMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PEMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PEMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

PCBIX

PCBIX Risk / Return Rank: 1
PCBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PCBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal MidCap Fund Class A (PEMGX) and Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX). 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.

	PEMGX	PCBIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.55	-0.54	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.70	-0.68	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	0.92	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.41	-0.41	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.86	-0.84	-0.02

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEMGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.55, which is comparable to the PCBIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEMGX and PCBIX, 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

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEMGX drawdown since its inception was -84.41%, which is greater than PCBIX's maximum drawdown of -50.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEMGX and PCBIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEMGX	PCBIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.41%	-50.25%	-34.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.38%	-19.29%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.38%	-19.29%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.34%	-31.17%	-0.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.58%	-40.56%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.36%	-12.19%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.24%	-6.57%	-26.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.35%	9.26%	+0.09%

Volatility

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Volatility Comparison

Principal MidCap Fund Class A (PEMGX) and Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class (PCBIX) have volatilities of 4.43% and 4.44%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEMGX	PCBIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	4.44%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.64%	11.62%	+0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	14.58%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.71%	18.69%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	19.14%	0.00%

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEMGX has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than PCBIX's 0.67% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEMGX vs. PCBIX - Dividend Comparison

PEMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.51%, more than PCBIX's 6.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCBIX Principal MidCap Fund Institutional Class	6.19%	5.81%	6.40%	2.51%	3.18%	7.96%	1.08%	9.02%	12.24%	3.31%	2.49%	6.30%
PEMGX Principal MidCap Fund Class A	6.51%	6.11%	6.55%	2.58%	3.31%	8.24%	1.12%	9.02%	12.48%	3.32%	2.25%	6.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEMGX and PCBIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, PEMGX and PCBIX 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 is riskier, PEMGX or PCBIX?

PCBIX has higher volatility (4.44%) compared to PEMGX (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEMGX dropped -84.41% vs PCBIX's -50.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PCBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.54 vs -0.55), 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.