CWST vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CWST (Casella Waste Systems, Inc.) is a stock, while VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Over the past 10 years, CWST returned 27.23%/yr vs 15.31%/yr for VTI. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

CWST vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CWST achieves a -13.64% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 10.35% return. Over the past 10 years, CWST has outperformed VTI with an annualized return of 27.23%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively lower 15.31% annualized return.

CWST

• 1D: -2.76%
• 1M: -3.24%
• YTD: -13.64%
• 6M: -15.12%
• 1Y: -27.08%
• 3Y*: -0.41%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 27.23%

VTI

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

CWST vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CWST Casella Waste Systems, Inc.	-13.64%	-7.44%	23.81%	7.75%	-7.15%	37.89%	34.59%	61.57%	23.76%	85.50%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between CWST and VTI is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001	0.40

Over the past year, the correlation between CWST and VTI has dropped to 0.12 - well below their long-term average of 0.40, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

CWST vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

CWST

CWST Risk / Return Rank: 12
CWST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
CWST Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
CWST Omega Ratio Rank: 12
CWST Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
CWST Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

CWST vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	CWST	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.81	2.14	-2.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.08	2.90	-3.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.38	-0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.75	3.06	-3.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.26	13.68	-14.94

CWST vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CWST Sharpe Ratio is -0.81, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CWST and VTI, 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

CWST vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CWST drawdown since its inception was -98.52%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CWST and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CWST	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.52%	-55.45%	-43.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.37%	-8.92%	-27.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.72%	-19.30%	-18.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.72%	-25.36%	-12.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.72%	-35.00%	-2.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.73%	-1.48%	-28.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-53.00%	-8.01%	-44.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.50%	1.99%	+19.51%

Volatility

CWST vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) has a higher volatility of 9.46% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.74%. This indicates that CWST's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CWST	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.46%	4.74%	+4.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.46%	9.96%	+17.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.79%	12.76%	+21.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.29%	17.49%	+9.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.90%	18.35%	+12.55%

Dividends

CWST vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

CWST has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CWST Casella Waste Systems, 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%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CWST and VTI in my portfolio?

CWST and VTI have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CWST or VTI?

CWST has higher volatility (9.46%) compared to VTI (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CWST dropped -98.52% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs -0.81), 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.