PMAU vs. ZAPR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PMAU (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August) and ZAPR (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMAU charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZAPR.

Performance

PMAU vs. ZAPR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PMAU having a 3.05% return and ZAPR slightly lower at 3.01%.

PMAU

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 3.05%
• 6M: 3.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZAPR

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 3.01%
• 6M: 3.01%
• 1Y: 6.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMAU vs. ZAPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMAU PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August	3.05%	2.94%
ZAPR Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April	3.01%	2.46%

Correlation

The correlation between PMAU and ZAPR is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 2025	0.63

Return for Risk

PMAU vs. ZAPR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMAU

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

ZAPR

ZAPR Risk / Return Rank: 98
ZAPR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
ZAPR Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Omega Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

PMAU vs. ZAPR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). 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.

	PMAU	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	4.48	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	7.98	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	2.13	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	16.26	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	73.32	—

Drawdowns

PMAU vs. ZAPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMAU drawdown since its inception was -1.79%, roughly equal to the maximum ZAPR drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMAU and ZAPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMAU	ZAPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.79%	-1.72%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-0.30%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-0.09%	-0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMAU	ZAPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.11%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.48%	1.48%	+1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.48%	2.49%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.48%	2.49%	-0.01%

PMAU vs. ZAPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMAU has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ZAPR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMAU vs. ZAPR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMAU nor ZAPR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMAU and ZAPR in my portfolio?

PMAU and ZAPR have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PMAU or ZAPR?

On fees, PMAU is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMAU or ZAPR?

PMAU is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZAPR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PMAU or ZAPR?

PMAU and ZAPR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PMAU and ZAPR?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMAU and 0.79% for ZAPR.