MO vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MO (Altria Group, Inc.) is a stock, while XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) is Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, MO returned 7.93%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for XLB. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

MO vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Altria Group, Inc. (MO) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MO achieves a 26.86% return, which is significantly higher than XLB's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, MO has underperformed XLB with an annualized return of 7.93%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively higher 10.54% annualized return.

MO

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: -0.65%
• YTD: 26.86%
• 6M: 26.78%
• 1Y: 28.74%
• 3Y*: 25.73%
• 5Y*: 16.36%
• 10Y*: 7.93%

XLB

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 16.68%
• 1Y: 21.77%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

MO vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MO Altria Group, Inc.	26.86%	18.17%	40.76%	-3.70%	4.37%	24.18%	-10.21%	7.87%	-27.14%	9.45%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	15.57%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between MO and XLB is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.32

Over the past year, the correlation between MO and XLB has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.32, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MO vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MO

MO Risk / Return Rank: 75
MO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
MO Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
MO Omega Ratio Rank: 75
MO Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
MO Martin Ratio Rank: 75

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

MO vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Altria Group, Inc. (MO) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.

	MO	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.17	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	1.73	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.20	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.75	1.65	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.39	5.05	-0.66

MO vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MO Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MO and XLB, 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

MO vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MO drawdown since its inception was -65.43%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MO and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MO	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.43%	-59.83%	-5.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-12.38%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.40%	-23.17%	+6.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.83%	-24.72%	-1.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.69%	-37.27%	-16.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.50%	-2.25%	-1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.92%	-10.83%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.50%	4.04%	+2.46%

Volatility

MO vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

Altria Group, Inc. (MO) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) have volatilities of 6.71% and 7.05%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MO	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	7.05%	-0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.60%	13.58%	+4.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.59%	17.49%	+5.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.68%	19.06%	+1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.97%	20.70%	+2.27%

Dividends

MO vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

MO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.84%, more than XLB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MO Altria Group, Inc.	5.84%	7.21%	7.65%	9.52%	8.05%	7.43%	8.29%	6.57%	6.07%	3.56%	3.48%	3.73%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.68%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MO and XLB in my portfolio?

MO and XLB have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MO or XLB?

XLB has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to MO (6.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MO dropped -65.43% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.17), 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.