SEPP vs. KMAR

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

SEPP (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - September) and KMAR (Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds. SEPP is actively managed, while KMAR is passively managed. Over the past year, SEPP returned 14.22% vs 22.30% for KMAR. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEPP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for KMAR.

Performance

SEPP vs. KMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - September (SEPP) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March (KMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEPP achieves a 6.94% return, which is significantly lower than KMAR's 12.40% return.

SEPP

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.94%
• 6M: 7.32%
• YTD: 6.94%
• 1Y: 14.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.88%

KMAR

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 1.04%
• 6M: 9.73%
• YTD: 12.40%
• 1Y: 22.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 17.70%

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

SEPP vs. KMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SEPP PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - September	6.94%	12.39%
KMAR Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March	12.40%	11.45%

Correlation

The correlation between SEPP and KMAR is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2025	0.81

The correlation between SEPP and KMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEPP vs. KMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEPP

SEPP Risk / Return Rank: 81
SEPP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
SEPP Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
SEPP Omega Ratio Rank: 85
SEPP Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SEPP Martin Ratio Rank: 90

KMAR

KMAR Risk / Return Rank: 92
KMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
KMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
KMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 91
KMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
KMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

SEPP vs. KMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - September (SEPP) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March (KMAR). 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.

	SEPP	KMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.43	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.58	-0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.46	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	4.58	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.17	18.81	-3.64

SEPP vs. KMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEPP Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the KMAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEPP and KMAR, 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

SEPP vs. KMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEPP drawdown since its inception was -11.75%, roughly equal to the maximum KMAR drawdown of -11.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEPP and KMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEPP	KMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.75%	-11.32%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.74%	-4.89%	+0.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.93%	-1.28%	+0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	1.19%	-0.25%

Volatility

SEPP vs. KMAR - Volatility Comparison

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - September (SEPP) has a higher volatility of 4.03% compared to Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - March (KMAR) at 1.47%. This indicates that SEPP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEPP	KMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	1.47%	+2.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.54%	6.72%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.70%	9.22%	-1.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.47%	11.88%	-2.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.47%	11.88%	-2.41%

SEPP vs. KMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEPP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than KMAR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEPP vs. KMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither SEPP nor KMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEPP and KMAR in my portfolio?

SEPP and KMAR have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEPP or KMAR?

SEPP has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to KMAR (1.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEPP dropped -11.75% vs KMAR's -11.32%.

Which ETF is better, SEPP or KMAR?

On 1-year performance, KMAR leads with 22.30% vs 14.22% for SEPP. On fees, SEPP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, KMAR has been the lower-risk option at 1.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEPP or KMAR?

Over the 1-year period, KMAR has performed better with a 22.30% return vs 14.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEPP or KMAR?

SEPP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KMAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEPP or KMAR?

SEPP and KMAR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SEPP and KMAR?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.86), 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.