PortfoliosLab logoPortfoliosLab logo

Documentation

Upgrade your plan
BRK-B vs. VPU
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

BRK-B vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRK-B (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) is a stock, while VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) is Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B returned 13.22%/yr vs 9.06%/yr for VPU. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

BRK-B vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Loading charts...

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRK-B achieves a -2.67% return, which is significantly lower than VPU's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 13.22%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.06% annualized return.

BRK-B

1D
0.71%
1M
1.07%
YTD
-2.67%
6M
-2.06%
1Y
0.35%
3Y*
13.30%
5Y*
11.27%
10Y*
13.22%

VPU

1D
1.15%
1M
-0.86%
YTD
4.93%
6M
5.15%
1Y
12.62%
3Y*
13.65%
5Y*
9.17%
10Y*
9.06%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BRK-B vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.		-2.67%10.89%27.09%15.46%3.31%28.95%2.37%10.93%3.01%21.62%
VPU
Vanguard Utilities ETF		4.93%16.46%23.04%-7.45%1.06%17.40%-0.74%24.89%4.38%12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between BRK-B and VPU is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.21

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.34

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.42

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.36

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004

0.37

The correlation between BRK-B and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.21 (1 year) to 0.42 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Vanguard Utilities ETF

Often compared with BRK-B:
BRK-B vs. SPYBRK-B vs. VOOBRK-B vs. BRK-ABRK-B vs. QQQBRK-B vs. ^NDXBRK-B vs. VTIBRK-B vs. VGT
Often compared with VPU:
VPU vs. XLUVPU vs. FUTYVPU vs. VOOVPU vs. IDUVPU vs. SPYVPU vs. VUIAXVPU vs. SCHD

Return for Risk

BRK-B vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
BRK-B
BRK-B Risk / Return Rank: 3939
Overall Rank
BRK-B Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4242
Sharpe Ratio Rank
BRK-B Sortino Ratio Rank: 3434
Sortino Ratio Rank
BRK-B Omega Ratio Rank: 3333
Omega Ratio Rank
BRK-B Calmar Ratio Rank: 4242
Calmar Ratio Rank
BRK-B Martin Ratio Rank: 4242
Martin Ratio Rank
VPU
VPU Risk / Return Rank: 2626
Overall Rank
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2626
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 2424
Sortino Ratio Rank
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 2525
Omega Ratio Rank
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 3131
Calmar Ratio Rank
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 2424
Martin Ratio Rank
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.

BRK-B vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

BRK-BVPUDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
-0.02
0.83

-0.85

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
0.08
1.20

-1.12

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.01

1.15

-0.14

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

-0.02

1.34

-1.37

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

-0.05

2.91

-2.96

BRK-B vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRK-B Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRK-B and VPU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Loading charts...

Drawdowns

BRK-B vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRK-B drawdown since its inception was -53.86%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRK-B and VPU.

Loading charts...

Drawdown Indicators

BRK-BVPUDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-53.86%

-46.31%

-7.55%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-9.42%

-8.90%

-0.52%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-14.95%

-17.34%

+2.39%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-26.58%

-25.15%

-1.43%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-29.57%

-36.42%

+6.85%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-9.36%

-5.69%

-3.67%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-11.07%

-7.78%

-3.29%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

4.53%

4.10%

+0.43%

Volatility

BRK-B vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) is 3.95%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.55%. This indicates that BRK-B experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Loading charts...

Volatility by Period

BRK-BVPUDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

3.95%

5.55%

-1.60%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

10.78%

11.52%

-0.74%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

14.38%

14.41%

-0.03%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

17.12%

17.07%

+0.05%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

19.44%

19.13%

+0.31%

Dividends

BRK-B vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

BRK-B has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.64%.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.		0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%
VPU
Vanguard Utilities ETF		2.64%2.73%3.02%3.49%2.98%2.70%3.17%2.83%3.23%3.18%3.19%3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

BRK-B and VPU have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

VPU has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to BRK-B (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRK-B dropped -53.86% vs VPU's -46.31%.

VPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.83 vs -0.02), 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.

Portfolio Optimizer

Find the right allocation for BRK-B and VPU

Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.

Open Portfolio Optimizer