TPFC vs. QVAL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

TPFC (Timothy Plan Free Cash Flow ETF) and QVAL (Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. TPFC is passively managed, while QVAL is actively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TPFC charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for QVAL.

Performance

TPFC vs. QVAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Timothy Plan Free Cash Flow ETF (TPFC) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

TPFC

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -0.56%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QVAL

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 1.96%
• 6M: 11.79%
• YTD: 18.22%
• 1Y: 33.56%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 13.45%
• 10Y*: 11.61%

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

TPFC vs. QVAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
TPFC Timothy Plan Free Cash Flow ETF	1.27%
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	7.56%

Correlation

The correlation between TPFC and QVAL is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2026	0.47

Return for Risk

TPFC vs. QVAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

TPFC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

QVAL

QVAL Risk / Return Rank: 90
QVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
QVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
QVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

TPFC vs. QVAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Timothy Plan Free Cash Flow ETF (TPFC) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL). 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.

	TPFC	QVAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.34	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.55	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.40	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.59	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	15.95	—

Drawdowns

TPFC vs. QVAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TPFC drawdown since its inception was -5.82%, smaller than the maximum QVAL drawdown of -51.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TPFC and QVAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	TPFC	QVAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.82%	-51.49%	+45.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.04%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.17%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.18%	0.00%	-3.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.48%	-7.72%	+5.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.11%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TPFC	QVAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.34%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	14.44%	-0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.30%	21.59%	-7.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.30%	22.69%	-8.39%

TPFC vs. QVAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

TPFC has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than QVAL's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

TPFC vs. QVAL - Dividend Comparison

TPFC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than QVAL's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
QVAL Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF	1.45%	1.44%	1.72%	1.76%	2.00%	1.23%	1.86%	1.99%	1.64%	1.08%	1.30%
TPFC Timothy Plan Free Cash Flow ETF	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TPFC and QVAL in my portfolio?

TPFC and QVAL have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, TPFC or QVAL?

On fees, QVAL is cheaper at 0.28% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, TPFC or QVAL?

QVAL is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for TPFC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TPFC or QVAL?

QVAL has the higher dividend yield at 1.45%, compared with 0.13% for TPFC.

What is the main difference between TPFC and QVAL?

They also come from different issuers: Timothy Plan and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for TPFC and 0.28% for QVAL.