PRUAX vs. GASFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PRUAX (PGIM Jennison Utility Fund) and GASFX (Hennessy Gas Utility Fund) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PRUAX returned 10.71%/yr vs 9.14%/yr for GASFX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PRUAX charges 0.83%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for GASFX.

Performance

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (PRUAX) and Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PRUAX achieves a 6.52% return, which is significantly lower than GASFX's 10.54% return. Over the past 10 years, PRUAX has outperformed GASFX with an annualized return of 10.71%, while GASFX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.14% annualized return.

PRUAX

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 6.52%
• 1Y: 13.81%
• 3Y*: 18.73%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 10.71%

GASFX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -3.00%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 10.65%
• 1Y: 14.50%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 13.35%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

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

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRUAX PGIM Jennison Utility Fund	6.52%	11.47%	39.83%	-3.96%	-0.18%	14.89%	4.14%	27.06%	1.14%	13.78%
GASFX Hennessy Gas Utility Fund	10.54%	10.42%	24.98%	0.27%	13.68%	19.60%	-9.34%	20.80%	-3.47%	7.04%

Correlation

The correlation between PRUAX and GASFX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1991	0.89

Over the past year, the correlation between PRUAX and GASFX has dropped to 0.64 - well below their long-term average of 0.89, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PRUAX vs. GASFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRUAX

PRUAX Risk / Return Rank: 16
PRUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
PRUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
PRUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
PRUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
PRUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

GASFX

GASFX Risk / Return Rank: 27
GASFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
GASFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
GASFX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
GASFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
GASFX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (PRUAX) and Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX). 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.

	PRUAX	GASFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.29	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	1.85	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.22	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.22	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.54	6.45	-2.91

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRUAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the GASFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRUAX and GASFX, 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

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRUAX drawdown since its inception was -58.20%, which is greater than GASFX's maximum drawdown of -49.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRUAX and GASFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRUAX	GASFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.20%	-49.33%	-8.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.25%	-6.95%	-2.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.92%	-12.43%	-2.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.65%	-18.25%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.54%	-37.23%	+1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.33%	-4.09%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.42%	-7.85%	-1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	2.39%	+1.94%

Volatility

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Jennison Utility Fund (PRUAX) has a higher volatility of 5.53% compared to Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX) at 4.48%. This indicates that PRUAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GASFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PRUAX	GASFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.53%	4.48%	+1.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.65%	9.15%	+3.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.73%	11.94%	+3.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.23%	15.44%	+1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.92%	17.70%	+0.22%

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRUAX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is lower than GASFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRUAX vs. GASFX - Dividend Comparison

PRUAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.28%, less than GASFX's 10.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GASFX Hennessy Gas Utility Fund	10.98%	12.06%	7.36%	6.63%	15.49%	10.63%	10.93%	7.11%	12.31%	2.96%	3.52%	5.64%
PRUAX PGIM Jennison Utility Fund	10.28%	11.24%	18.59%	9.82%	8.33%	13.94%	2.07%	5.62%	9.19%	4.19%	7.64%	11.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PRUAX and GASFX in my portfolio?

PRUAX and GASFX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PRUAX or GASFX?

PRUAX has higher volatility (5.53%) compared to GASFX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRUAX dropped -58.20% vs GASFX's -49.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GASFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.98), 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.