SMAX vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMAX returned 8.07% vs 11.12% for PBFR. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

SMAX vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMAX achieves a 2.93% return, which is significantly lower than PBFR's 4.21% return.

SMAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 2.93%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: 8.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 4.21%
• 6M: 4.00%
• 1Y: 11.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMAX vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	2.93%	8.01%	1.06%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.21%	10.44%	1.92%

Correlation

The correlation between SMAX and PBFR is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2024	0.80

The correlation between SMAX and PBFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMAX vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

SMAX vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	SMAX	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.01	2.60	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.58	3.75	+0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.56	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.23	3.96	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.55	20.45	+2.10

SMAX vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMAX Sharpe Ratio is 3.01, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMAX and PBFR, 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

SMAX vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMAX drawdown since its inception was -3.90%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMAX and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMAX	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-8.50%	+4.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.91%	-2.82%	+0.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-0.52%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.40%	-0.63%	+0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.36%	0.55%	-0.19%

Volatility

SMAX vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) is 0.76%, while PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) has a volatility of 1.28%. This indicates that SMAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMAX	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.76%	1.28%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.17%	3.49%	-1.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.69%	4.30%	-1.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.64%	6.84%	-3.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.64%	6.84%	-3.20%

SMAX vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SMAX and PBFR have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

SMAX vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

SMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, more than PBFR's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMAX and PBFR in my portfolio?

SMAX and PBFR have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMAX or PBFR?

PBFR has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to SMAX (0.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMAX dropped -3.90% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, SMAX or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, PBFR leads with 11.12% vs 8.07% for SMAX. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, SMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMAX or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, PBFR has performed better with a 11.12% return vs 8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMAX or PBFR?

SMAX and PBFR have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMAX or PBFR?

SMAX has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.01% for PBFR.

What is the main difference between SMAX and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and PGIM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.01 vs 2.60), 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.