SAMBX vs. PONAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SAMBX (Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund) and PONAX (PIMCO Income Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - SAMBX is a Bank Loan fund managed by Virtus, while PONAX is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by PIMCO. Over the past 10 years, SAMBX returned 4.71%/yr vs 4.31%/yr for PONAX. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SAMBX charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.94%/yr for PONAX.

Performance

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund (SAMBX) and PIMCO Income Fund Class A (PONAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAMBX achieves a 2.55% return, which is significantly higher than PONAX's 0.83% return. Over the past 10 years, SAMBX has outperformed PONAX with an annualized return of 4.71%, while PONAX has yielded a comparatively lower 4.31% annualized return.

SAMBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 2.55%
• 6M: 3.69%
• 1Y: 7.30%
• 3Y*: 7.29%
• 5Y*: 5.52%
• 10Y*: 4.71%

PONAX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.16%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: 1.39%
• 1Y: 7.45%
• 3Y*: 7.30%
• 5Y*: 3.19%
• 10Y*: 4.31%

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

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SAMBX Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund	2.55%	5.88%	7.03%	11.21%	-0.86%	4.86%	0.41%	6.66%	0.24%	3.89%
PONAX PIMCO Income Fund Class A	0.83%	10.63%	5.02%	8.96%	-9.34%	2.21%	5.40%	7.65%	0.21%	8.19%

Correlation

The correlation between SAMBX and PONAX is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2007	0.33

Return for Risk

SAMBX vs. PONAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAMBX

SAMBX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SAMBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SAMBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
SAMBX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
SAMBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
SAMBX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

PONAX

PONAX Risk / Return Rank: 41
PONAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
PONAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
PONAX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PONAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
PONAX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund (SAMBX) and PIMCO Income Fund Class A (PONAX). 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.

	SAMBX	PONAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	1.82	+1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	7.57	2.70	+4.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.15	1.35	+0.80
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.38	2.03	+7.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.39	6.75	+22.65

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAMBX Sharpe Ratio is 2.99, which is higher than the PONAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAMBX and PONAX, 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

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAMBX drawdown since its inception was -24.74%, which is greater than PONAX's maximum drawdown of -13.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAMBX and PONAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAMBX	PONAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.74%	-13.64%	-11.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.78%	-3.69%	+2.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.95%	-3.90%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.66%	-13.64%	+7.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.91%	-13.64%	-7.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-1.03%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.58%	-1.79%	+0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.25%	1.11%	-0.86%

Volatility

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund (SAMBX) is 0.69%, while PIMCO Income Fund Class A (PONAX) has a volatility of 1.41%. This indicates that SAMBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PONAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAMBX	PONAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.69%	1.41%	-0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.79%	3.36%	-1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45%	4.12%	-1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.96%	4.83%	-1.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.94%	4.22%	-0.28%

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAMBX has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is lower than PONAX's 0.94% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAMBX vs. PONAX - Dividend Comparison

SAMBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.43%, more than PONAX's 5.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PONAX PIMCO Income Fund Class A	5.43%	5.61%	5.86%	5.86%	4.66%	3.62%	4.48%	5.42%	5.24%	4.97%	5.13%	7.45%
SAMBX Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund	7.43%	7.78%	8.21%	8.21%	5.34%	3.03%	4.03%	5.28%	5.15%	4.28%	4.79%	4.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAMBX and PONAX in my portfolio?

SAMBX and PONAX have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAMBX or PONAX?

PONAX has higher volatility (1.41%) compared to SAMBX (0.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAMBX dropped -24.74% vs PONAX's -13.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAMBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 1.82), 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.