PHTUX vs. SACAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PHTUX (Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2050 Fund) and SACAX (Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio) are both mutual funds - PHTUX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Principal, while SACAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, PHTUX returned 12.08%/yr vs 12.60%/yr for SACAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PHTUX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for SACAX.

Performance

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2050 Fund (PHTUX) and Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PHTUX achieves a 10.33% return, which is significantly lower than SACAX's 11.18% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PHTUX having a 12.08% annualized return and SACAX not far ahead at 12.60%.

PHTUX

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 10.33%
• 6M: 9.72%
• 1Y: 25.37%
• 3Y*: 19.15%
• 5Y*: 10.21%
• 10Y*: 12.08%

SACAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.90%
• YTD: 11.18%
• 6M: 10.53%
• 1Y: 23.82%
• 3Y*: 21.05%
• 5Y*: 10.83%
• 10Y*: 12.60%

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

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PHTUX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2050 Fund	10.33%	19.64%	17.26%	20.30%	-18.48%	19.08%	15.94%	25.59%	-9.48%	20.48%
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	11.18%	16.56%	24.20%	21.42%	-19.06%	19.34%	15.11%	26.87%	-9.13%	21.68%

Correlation

The correlation between PHTUX and SACAX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2014	0.99

The correlation between PHTUX and SACAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PHTUX vs. SACAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PHTUX

PHTUX Risk / Return Rank: 67
PHTUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
PHTUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
PHTUX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
PHTUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
PHTUX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SACAX

SACAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
SACAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SACAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SACAX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SACAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SACAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2050 Fund (PHTUX) and Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX). 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.

	PHTUX	SACAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	2.04	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	2.81	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.38	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	2.82	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.01	12.38	+1.63

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PHTUX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the SACAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PHTUX and SACAX, 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

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PHTUX drawdown since its inception was -31.76%, smaller than the maximum SACAX drawdown of -54.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PHTUX and SACAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PHTUX	SACAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.76%	-54.31%	+22.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.47%	-8.85%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.49%	-15.88%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.50%	-26.96%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.76%	-34.90%	+3.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.46%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-9.77%	+5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	2.01%	-0.11%

Volatility

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Volatility Comparison

Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2050 Fund (PHTUX) and Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) have volatilities of 4.86% and 4.65%, 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

	PHTUX	SACAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	4.65%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	10.10%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.44%	12.25%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.52%	15.72%	-0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.59%	16.09%	-0.50%

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHTUX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than SACAX's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

PHTUX vs. SACAX - Dividend Comparison

PHTUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, less than SACAX's 10.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PHTUX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2050 Fund	4.41%	4.86%	4.44%	2.95%	9.50%	4.59%	3.35%	4.08%	4.51%	2.40%	2.44%	1.64%
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	10.79%	11.99%	13.37%	1.16%	9.30%	7.53%	4.02%	4.47%	20.79%	6.82%	3.68%	14.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHTUX and SACAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, PHTUX and SACAX 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, PHTUX or SACAX?

PHTUX has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to SACAX (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PHTUX dropped -31.76% vs SACAX's -54.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PHTUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 2.04), 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.