LAD vs. VDIGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LAD (Lithia Motors, Inc.) is a stock, while VDIGX (Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund) is Dividend fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, LAD returned 16.32%/yr vs 12.52%/yr for VDIGX. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

LAD vs. VDIGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LAD achieves a -10.25% return, which is significantly lower than VDIGX's 2.27% return. Over the past 10 years, LAD has outperformed VDIGX with an annualized return of 16.32%, while VDIGX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.52% annualized return.

LAD

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 7.41%
• YTD: -10.25%
• 6M: -12.85%
• 1Y: -10.82%
• 3Y*: 2.32%
• 5Y*: -1.40%
• 10Y*: 16.32%

VDIGX

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 2.27%
• 6M: 1.83%
• 1Y: 9.47%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: 9.93%
• 10Y*: 12.52%

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

LAD vs. VDIGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LAD Lithia Motors, Inc.	-10.25%	-6.34%	9.32%	62.03%	-30.63%	1.84%	100.73%	94.57%	-31.96%	18.56%
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	2.27%	11.11%	20.84%	8.11%	-4.89%	24.86%	12.04%	30.94%	0.08%	19.32%

Correlation

The correlation between LAD and VDIGX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 1996	0.40

Return for Risk

LAD vs. VDIGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LAD

LAD Risk / Return Rank: 28
LAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
LAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
LAD Omega Ratio Rank: 26
LAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
LAD Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VDIGX

VDIGX Risk / Return Rank: 16
VDIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
VDIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VDIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VDIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VDIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

LAD vs. VDIGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX). 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.

	LAD	VDIGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.33	1.04	-1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.25	1.57	-1.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.18	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.34	1.16	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.68	4.50	-5.19

LAD vs. VDIGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LAD Sharpe Ratio is -0.33, which is lower than the VDIGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LAD and VDIGX, 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

LAD vs. VDIGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LAD drawdown since its inception was -95.17%, which is greater than VDIGX's maximum drawdown of -45.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LAD and VDIGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LAD	VDIGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.17%	-45.23%	-49.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.73%	-9.09%	-22.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.79%	-10.23%	-27.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-51.71%	-16.18%	-35.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.16%	-32.98%	-28.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.71%	-1.04%	-24.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.59%	-6.64%	-20.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.90%	2.34%	+13.56%

Volatility

LAD vs. VDIGX - Volatility Comparison

Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD) has a higher volatility of 8.72% compared to Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) at 3.09%. This indicates that LAD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDIGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LAD	VDIGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.72%	3.09%	+5.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.96%	7.80%	+14.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.15%	10.22%	+22.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.62%	13.88%	+24.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.94%	15.72%	+25.22%

Dividends

LAD vs. VDIGX - Dividend Comparison

LAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than VDIGX's 24.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LAD Lithia Motors, Inc.	0.75%	0.66%	0.58%	0.58%	0.79%	0.46%	0.42%	0.81%	1.49%	0.93%	0.98%	0.71%
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	24.01%	21.90%	21.94%	2.29%	6.06%	5.45%	2.83%	4.70%	8.72%	5.16%	2.86%	5.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LAD and VDIGX in my portfolio?

LAD and VDIGX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LAD or VDIGX?

LAD has higher volatility (8.72%) compared to VDIGX (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LAD dropped -95.17% vs VDIGX's -45.23%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDIGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.04 vs -0.33), 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.