FVLZX vs. ARFFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FVLZX (Fidelity Advisor Value Fund Class Z) and ARFFX (Ariel Focus Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, FVLZX returned 11.53%/yr vs 7.93%/yr for ARFFX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FVLZX charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for ARFFX.

Performance

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Advisor Value Fund Class Z (FVLZX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FVLZX achieves a 19.83% return, which is significantly higher than ARFFX's 8.39% return.

FVLZX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 4.52%
• YTD: 19.83%
• 6M: 18.64%
• 1Y: 36.19%
• 3Y*: 20.30%
• 5Y*: 11.53%
• 10Y*: —

ARFFX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 8.39%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 32.79%
• 3Y*: 17.24%
• 5Y*: 7.93%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FVLZX Fidelity Advisor Value Fund Class Z	19.83%	11.42%	10.52%	19.91%	-9.03%	35.26%	9.97%	32.00%	-17.68%	11.68%
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	8.39%	21.00%	13.39%	6.98%	-9.12%	21.14%	6.90%	25.62%	-13.23%	10.54%

Correlation

The correlation between FVLZX and ARFFX is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2017	0.92

The correlation between FVLZX and ARFFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.82 (1 year) to 0.92 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FVLZX vs. ARFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FVLZX

FVLZX Risk / Return Rank: 73
FVLZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FVLZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FVLZX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FVLZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FVLZX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

ARFFX

ARFFX Risk / Return Rank: 75
ARFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ARFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
ARFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
ARFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ARFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Value Fund Class Z (FVLZX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). 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.

	FVLZX	ARFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.45	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	3.48	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.43	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	4.18	-0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.76	10.50	+3.26

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FVLZX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the ARFFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FVLZX and ARFFX, 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

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FVLZX drawdown since its inception was -48.54%, smaller than the maximum ARFFX drawdown of -57.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FVLZX and ARFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FVLZX	ARFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.54%	-57.66%	+9.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-8.02%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.31%	-23.39%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.31%	-24.50%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-4.31%	+3.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.19%	-9.43%	+3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	3.19%	-0.49%

Volatility

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Advisor Value Fund Class Z (FVLZX) has a higher volatility of 4.95% compared to Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX) at 3.98%. This indicates that FVLZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARFFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FVLZX	ARFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	3.98%	+0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.93%	9.58%	+2.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.49%	13.74%	+2.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.50%	18.51%	+1.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.65%	19.88%	+2.77%

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FVLZX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ARFFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

FVLZX vs. ARFFX - Dividend Comparison

FVLZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.13%, less than ARFFX's 11.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	11.70%	12.68%	2.27%	3.33%	8.30%	3.30%	2.41%	1.03%	7.61%	5.76%	1.04%	13.91%
FVLZX Fidelity Advisor Value Fund Class Z	7.13%	8.55%	12.70%	1.17%	0.78%	4.79%	0.75%	3.45%	15.28%	3.66%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FVLZX and ARFFX in my portfolio?

FVLZX and ARFFX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FVLZX or ARFFX?

FVLZX has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to ARFFX (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FVLZX dropped -48.54% vs ARFFX's -57.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.26), 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.