VLEQX vs. RIPIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VLEQX (Villere Equity Fund) and RIPIX (Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VLEQX returned -2.66%/yr vs -3.92%/yr for RIPIX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VLEQX charges 1.22%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for RIPIX.

Performance

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Villere Equity Fund (VLEQX) and Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class (RIPIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLEQX achieves a 3.58% return, which is significantly higher than RIPIX's 0.24% return.

VLEQX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.50%
• YTD: 3.58%
• 6M: 2.47%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: 1.92%
• 5Y*: -2.66%
• 10Y*: 3.64%

RIPIX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -3.24%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.40%
• 1Y: -1.74%
• 3Y*: 0.82%
• 5Y*: -3.92%
• 10Y*: —

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

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VLEQX Villere Equity Fund	3.58%	0.26%	1.50%	11.37%	-24.50%	5.80%	14.77%	24.50%	-16.09%
RIPIX Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class	0.24%	9.89%	-7.04%	8.14%	-26.99%	6.22%	16.11%	34.69%	-12.52%

Correlation

The correlation between VLEQX and RIPIX is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2018	0.64

The correlation between VLEQX and RIPIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.64 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VLEQX vs. RIPIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLEQX

VLEQX Risk / Return Rank: 5
VLEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
VLEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VLEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VLEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
VLEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

RIPIX

RIPIX Risk / Return Rank: 2
RIPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
RIPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
RIPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
RIPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
RIPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Villere Equity Fund (VLEQX) and Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class (RIPIX). 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.

	VLEQX	RIPIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.30	-0.17	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	-0.15	+0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	0.98	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.41	-0.14	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.11	-0.33	+1.44

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLEQX Sharpe Ratio is 0.30, which is higher than the RIPIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLEQX and RIPIX, 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

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLEQX drawdown since its inception was -35.60%, smaller than the maximum RIPIX drawdown of -41.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLEQX and RIPIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLEQX	RIPIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.60%	-41.89%	+6.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.09%	-16.38%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.24%	-17.28%	-1.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.46%	-41.89%	+8.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.60%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.33%	-26.11%	+9.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.46%	-18.04%	+5.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	6.82%	-3.84%

Volatility

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Villere Equity Fund (VLEQX) is 1.78%, while Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class (RIPIX) has a volatility of 4.17%. This indicates that VLEQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RIPIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLEQX	RIPIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.78%	4.17%	-2.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.57%	11.18%	-3.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.10%	13.29%	-2.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.14%	15.47%	+3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.18%	16.15%	+3.03%

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLEQX has a 1.22% expense ratio, which is higher than RIPIX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLEQX vs. RIPIX - Dividend Comparison

VLEQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.57%, more than RIPIX's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RIPIX Royce International Premier Fund Institutional Class	1.46%	1.46%	5.66%	3.09%	3.87%	5.02%	0.36%	0.58%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VLEQX Villere Equity Fund	13.57%	0.54%	0.40%	4.64%	2.88%	8.24%	0.73%	0.17%	0.34%	0.00%	0.11%	1.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLEQX and RIPIX in my portfolio?

VLEQX and RIPIX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLEQX or RIPIX?

RIPIX has higher volatility (4.17%) compared to VLEQX (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLEQX dropped -35.60% vs RIPIX's -41.89%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.30 vs -0.17), 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.