PKW vs. QVAL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PKW (Invesco BuyBack Achievers™ ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. PKW is passively managed, while QVAL is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, PKW returned 13.25%/yr vs 11.61%/yr for QVAL. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PKW charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

PKW vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco BuyBack Achievers™ ETF (PKW) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PKW achieves a 8.30% return, which is significantly lower than QVAL's 18.22% return. Over the past 10 years, PKW has outperformed QVAL with an annualized return of 13.25%, while QVAL has yielded a comparatively lower 11.61% annualized return.

PKW

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 3.43%
• 6M: 5.37%
• YTD: 8.30%
• 1Y: 17.66%
• 3Y*: 17.74%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 13.25%

QVAL

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 1.96%
• 6M: 11.79%
• YTD: 18.22%
• 1Y: 33.56%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 13.45%
• 10Y*: 11.61%

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

PKW vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PKW Invesco BuyBack Achievers™ ETF	8.30%	17.92%	17.33%	17.24%	-10.21%	32.62%	8.41%	34.09%	-10.53%	17.75%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	18.22%	10.98%	12.21%	28.40%	-11.80%	34.40%	-5.93%	24.06%	-17.28%	25.59%

Correlation

The correlation between PKW and QVAL is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.85

The correlation between PKW and QVAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

PKW vs. QVAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PKW	QVAL
Financial Services	28.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	19.0%	23.8%
Industrials	14.0%	14.1%
Technology	12.3%	8.3%
Healthcare	10.2%	13.9%
Energy	5.4%	16.1%
Communication Services	4.1%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	9.8%
Utilities	2.2%	2.0%
Basic Materials	1.0%	6.0%
Real Estate	0.3%	2.0%

Return for Risk

PKW vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

PKW

PKW Risk / Return Rank: 49
PKW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
PKW Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
PKW Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PKW Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
PKW Martin Ratio Rank: 52

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 90
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

PKW vs. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco BuyBack Achievers™ ETF (PKW) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). 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.

	PKW	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	2.34	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	3.55	-1.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.40	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	5.59	-3.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.10	15.95	-8.85

PKW vs. QVAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PKW Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the QVAL Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PKW and QVAL, 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

PKW vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PKW drawdown since its inception was -54.59%, which is greater than QVAL's maximum drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PKW and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PKW	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.59%	-51.49%	-3.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.86%	-6.04%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.91%	-21.41%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.51%	-27.17%	+3.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.93%	-51.49%	+10.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.92%	-7.72%	-0.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	2.11%	+0.38%

Volatility

PKW vs. QVAL - Volatility Comparison

Invesco BuyBack Achievers™ ETF (PKW) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) have volatilities of 3.38% and 3.34%, 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

	PKW	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	3.34%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.64%	10.06%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.20%	14.44%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.41%	21.59%	-4.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	22.69%	-3.00%

PKW vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

PKW has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

PKW vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

PKW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, less than QVAL's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PKW Invesco BuyBack Achievers™ ETF	0.78%	0.99%	0.86%	1.17%	1.22%	0.72%	1.48%	1.30%	1.30%	0.65%	1.59%	1.14%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.45%	1.44%	1.72%	1.76%	2.00%	1.23%	1.86%	1.99%	1.64%	1.08%	1.30%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PKW and QVAL in my portfolio?

PKW and QVAL have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PKW or QVAL?

PKW has higher volatility (3.38%) compared to QVAL (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PKW dropped -54.59% vs QVAL's -51.49%.

Which ETF is better, PKW or QVAL?

On 10-year performance, PKW leads with 13.25% vs 11.61% for QVAL. On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PKW or QVAL?

Over the 10-year period, PKW has performed better with a 13.25% return vs 11.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PKW or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for PKW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PKW or QVAL?

QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.45%, compared with 0.78% for PKW.

What is the main difference between PKW and QVAL?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for PKW and 0.28% for QVAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.34), 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.