POGAX vs. MEGBX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

POGAX (Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund) and MEGBX (MFS Growth Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, POGAX returned 18.37%/yr vs 17.53%/yr for MEGBX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. POGAX charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for MEGBX.

Performance

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund (POGAX) and MFS Growth Fund (MEGBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, POGAX achieves a 6.16% return, which is significantly higher than MEGBX's 4.75% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with POGAX having a 18.37% annualized return and MEGBX not far behind at 17.53%.

POGAX

• 1D: 1.57%
• 1M: -0.15%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 5.64%
• 1Y: 22.10%
• 3Y*: 21.69%
• 5Y*: 13.03%
• 10Y*: 18.37%

MEGBX

• 1D: 1.64%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 4.75%
• 6M: 4.53%
• 1Y: 15.08%
• 3Y*: 27.58%
• 5Y*: 14.12%
• 10Y*: 17.53%

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

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
POGAX Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund	6.16%	14.28%	33.22%	44.22%	-30.43%	22.64%	38.44%	36.44%	2.29%	30.97%
MEGBX MFS Growth Fund	4.75%	11.25%	61.25%	34.81%	-31.83%	22.34%	30.36%	36.33%	1.21%	29.54%

Correlation

The correlation between POGAX and MEGBX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1996	0.94

The correlation between POGAX and MEGBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

POGAX vs. MEGBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

POGAX

POGAX Risk / Return Rank: 20
POGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
POGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
POGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
POGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
POGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

MEGBX

MEGBX Risk / Return Rank: 10
MEGBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
MEGBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
MEGBX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MEGBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
MEGBX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund (POGAX) and MFS Growth Fund (MEGBX). 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.

	POGAX	MEGBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	0.86	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	1.26	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.16	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.32	0.82	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.31	2.61	+1.70

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current POGAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is higher than the MEGBX Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of POGAX and MEGBX, 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

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum POGAX drawdown since its inception was -76.55%, roughly equal to the maximum MEGBX drawdown of -72.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for POGAX and MEGBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	POGAX	MEGBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.55%	-72.95%	-3.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.42%	-17.64%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.66%	-23.39%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.15%	-36.73%	+2.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.15%	-36.73%	+2.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.19%	-1.37%	-1.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.99%	-21.73%	-7.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.00%	5.54%	-0.54%

Volatility

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Volatility Comparison

Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund (POGAX) and MFS Growth Fund (MEGBX) have volatilities of 6.30% and 6.45%, 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

	POGAX	MEGBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	6.45%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.24%	13.44%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.76%	16.74%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.78%	23.61%	-1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.27%	22.10%	-0.83%

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

POGAX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than MEGBX's 1.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

POGAX vs. MEGBX - Dividend Comparison

POGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.35%, less than MEGBX's 25.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MEGBX MFS Growth Fund	25.39%	26.60%	40.46%	7.21%	1.51%	3.91%	4.94%	2.13%	4.95%	3.26%	2.03%	4.61%
POGAX Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund	5.35%	5.68%	4.58%	0.49%	7.80%	9.08%	3.29%	3.83%	7.98%	1.89%	0.01%	5.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both POGAX and MEGBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, POGAX and MEGBX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, POGAX or MEGBX?

MEGBX has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to POGAX (6.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, POGAX dropped -76.55% vs MEGBX's -72.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

POGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.86), 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.