SACAX vs. PLTNX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SACAX (Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio) and PLTNX (Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund) are both mutual funds - SACAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Principal, while PLTNX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Principal. Over the past 10 years, SACAX returned 12.31%/yr vs 11.97%/yr for PLTNX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SACAX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for PLTNX.

Performance

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) and Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund (PLTNX). 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 SACAX having a 11.27% return and PLTNX slightly lower at 10.92%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SACAX having a 12.31% annualized return and PLTNX not far behind at 11.97%.

SACAX

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 1.98%
• YTD: 11.27%
• 6M: 11.04%
• 1Y: 24.93%
• 3Y*: 20.40%
• 5Y*: 11.20%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

PLTNX

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 10.92%
• 6M: 10.71%
• 1Y: 27.31%
• 3Y*: 18.61%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

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

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	11.27%	16.56%	24.20%	21.42%	-19.06%	19.34%	15.11%	26.87%	-9.13%	21.68%
PLTNX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund	10.92%	19.89%	17.25%	20.33%	-18.49%	19.70%	15.78%	26.17%	-9.84%	21.03%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

SACAX vs. PLTNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SACAX

SACAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
SACAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SACAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SACAX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SACAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SACAX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

PLTNX

PLTNX Risk / Return Rank: 66
PLTNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PLTNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PLTNX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
PLTNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
PLTNX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) and Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund (PLTNX). 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.

	SACAX	PLTNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	2.12	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.91	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	3.11	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.27	13.91	-1.64

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SACAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the PLTNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SACAX and PLTNX, 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

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SACAX drawdown since its inception was -54.31%, which is greater than PLTNX's maximum drawdown of -32.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SACAX and PLTNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SACAX	PLTNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.31%	-32.71%	-21.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-8.66%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.88%	-16.66%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.96%	-25.48%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.90%	-32.71%	-2.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	-0.67%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.77%	-4.76%	-5.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.94%	+0.07%

Volatility

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (SACAX) is 4.76%, while Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund (PLTNX) has a volatility of 5.13%. This indicates that SACAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLTNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SACAX	PLTNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	5.13%	-0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	10.49%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.23%	12.72%	-0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.73%	15.61%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.09%	15.89%	+0.20%

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SACAX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than PLTNX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SACAX vs. PLTNX - Dividend Comparison

SACAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.78%, more than PLTNX's 4.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLTNX Principal LifeTime Hybrid 2055 Fund	4.14%	4.59%	4.40%	2.84%	9.11%	4.23%	3.11%	3.47%	4.68%	2.21%	1.99%	1.63%
SACAX Principal SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio	10.78%	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 SACAX and PLTNX in my portfolio?

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

PLTNX has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to SACAX (4.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SACAX dropped -54.31% vs PLTNX's -32.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLTNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 2.02), 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.