PGOAX vs. PQJCX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PGOAX (PGIM Jennison Small Company Fund) and PQJCX (PGIM Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds from PGIM. Over the past 5 years, PGOAX returned 6.95%/yr vs 6.66%/yr for PQJCX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PGOAX charges 1.13%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for PQJCX.

Performance

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Small Company Fund (PGOAX) and PGIM Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund (PQJCX). 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 PGOAX having a 15.46% return and PQJCX slightly higher at 16.05%.

PGOAX

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: 4.60%
• YTD: 15.46%
• 6M: 13.16%
• 1Y: 28.28%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 6.95%
• 10Y*: 13.35%

PQJCX

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: 5.82%
• YTD: 16.05%
• 6M: 13.40%
• 1Y: 26.94%
• 3Y*: 19.21%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: —

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

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PGOAX PGIM Jennison Small Company Fund	15.46%	6.96%	16.26%	11.48%	-18.85%	29.05%	27.07%	41.48%	-13.69%	19.58%
PQJCX PGIM Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund	16.05%	1.89%	28.82%	14.96%	-24.07%	21.70%	38.85%	25.61%	-12.36%	18.36%

Correlation

The correlation between PGOAX and PQJCX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.98

The correlation between PGOAX and PQJCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PGOAX vs. PQJCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGOAX

PGOAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
PGOAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
PGOAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
PGOAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
PGOAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PGOAX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

PQJCX

PQJCX Risk / Return Rank: 44
PQJCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
PQJCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
PQJCX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
PQJCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PQJCX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Small Company Fund (PGOAX) and PGIM Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund (PQJCX). 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.

	PGOAX	PQJCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.54	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.29	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.27	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	2.55	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.77	9.31	+2.46

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGOAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the PQJCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGOAX and PQJCX, 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

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGOAX drawdown since its inception was -56.57%, which is greater than PQJCX's maximum drawdown of -43.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGOAX and PQJCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGOAX	PQJCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.57%	-43.56%	-13.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.88%	-11.13%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.17%	-25.98%	+2.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.19%	-36.11%	+7.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-1.28%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.98%	-10.99%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	3.04%	-0.54%

Volatility

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Jennison Small Company Fund (PGOAX) is 5.96%, while PGIM Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund (PQJCX) has a volatility of 6.47%. This indicates that PGOAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PQJCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGOAX	PQJCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.96%	6.47%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.30%	14.09%	-0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.08%	18.53%	-1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.37%	22.14%	-1.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.19%	22.94%	-0.75%

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGOAX has a 1.13% expense ratio, which is higher than PQJCX's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGOAX vs. PQJCX - Dividend Comparison

PGOAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.03%, more than PQJCX's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGOAX PGIM Jennison Small Company Fund	7.03%	8.11%	5.29%	0.37%	4.11%	37.46%	14.95%	18.11%	20.80%	8.28%	5.42%	15.00%
PQJCX PGIM Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund	2.59%	3.01%	18.27%	0.83%	0.51%	26.55%	3.86%	0.00%	7.11%	1.72%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGOAX and PQJCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, PGOAX and PQJCX 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, PGOAX or PQJCX?

PQJCX has higher volatility (6.47%) compared to PGOAX (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGOAX dropped -56.57% vs PQJCX's -43.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PGOAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.54), 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.