VKSFX vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both mutual funds - VKSFX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Virtus, while PKSFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 3 years, VKSFX returned 4.84%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for PKSFX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VKSFX charges 0.94%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VKSFX achieves a 1.69% return, which is significantly lower than PKSFX's 8.08% return.

VKSFX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: -3.41%
• YTD: 1.69%
• 1Y: -2.17%
• 3Y*: 4.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PKSFX

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 2.28%
• 6M: 1.49%
• YTD: 8.08%
• 1Y: 5.23%
• 3Y*: 9.90%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 14.99%

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

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund	1.69%	-3.61%	10.24%	16.94%	-20.43%	4.02%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	8.08%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	4.55%

Correlation

The correlation between VKSFX and PKSFX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.93

The correlation between VKSFX and PKSFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VKSFX vs. PKSFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VKSFX

VKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 2
VKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
VKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
VKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
VKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
VKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 7
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). 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.

	VKSFX	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.16	0.33	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.14	0.61	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.07	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.21	0.46	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.39	0.92	-1.31

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VKSFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.16, which is lower than the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VKSFX and PKSFX, 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

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VKSFX drawdown since its inception was -25.46%, smaller than the maximum PKSFX drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VKSFX and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VKSFX	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.46%	-54.46%	+29.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-11.19%	-0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.84%	-21.82%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.02%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.78%	-3.59%	-6.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.66%	-7.16%	-3.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.08%	5.58%	+0.50%

Volatility

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund (VKSFX) is 3.71%, while Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) has a volatility of 4.82%. This indicates that VKSFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VKSFX	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	4.82%	-1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	11.24%	-1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	15.64%	-1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.05%	17.99%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	18.79%	-0.74%

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VKSFX has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is lower than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VKSFX vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

VKSFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, less than PKSFX's 13.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.23%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%
VKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund	0.23%	0.23%	0.54%	0.70%	0.46%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VKSFX and PKSFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VKSFX and PKSFX 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, VKSFX or PKSFX?

PKSFX has higher volatility (4.82%) compared to VKSFX (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VKSFX dropped -25.46% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PKSFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.33 vs -0.16), 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.