WCN vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

WCN (Waste Connections, Inc.) is a stock, while VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, WCN returned 13.46%/yr vs 18.30%/yr for VUG. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

WCN vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WCN achieves a -11.24% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 7.94% return. Over the past 10 years, WCN has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 13.46%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.30% annualized return.

WCN

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -1.04%
• YTD: -11.24%
• 6M: -11.80%
• 1Y: -18.06%
• 3Y*: 4.83%
• 5Y*: 5.91%
• 10Y*: 13.46%

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

WCN vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WCN Waste Connections, Inc.	-11.24%	2.92%	15.72%	13.47%	-2.02%	33.80%	13.86%	23.19%	5.47%	36.47%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between WCN and VUG is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.48

The correlation between WCN and VUG shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (1 year) to 0.48 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WCN vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCN

WCN Risk / Return Rank: 9
WCN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
WCN Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
WCN Omega Ratio Rank: 11
WCN Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
WCN Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

WCN vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	WCN	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.83	1.59	-2.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.10	2.16	-3.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.28	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.84	1.60	-2.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.56	5.50	-7.06

WCN vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WCN Sharpe Ratio is -0.83, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WCN and VUG, 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

WCN vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCN drawdown since its inception was -68.85%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCN and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCN	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.85%	-50.68%	-18.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.69%	-16.53%	-5.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.75%	-22.85%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.75%	-35.61%	+10.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.59%	-35.61%	+4.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.74%	-2.90%	-18.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.40%	-7.09%	-1.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.64%	4.79%	+6.85%

Volatility

WCN vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) is 5.68%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that WCN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WCN	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.68%	6.32%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.01%	13.28%	+4.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.77%	16.65%	+5.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.36%	22.34%	-2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.71%	21.51%	-1.80%

Dividends

WCN vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

WCN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%
WCN Waste Connections, Inc.	0.88%	0.74%	0.68%	0.70%	0.71%	0.62%	0.74%	0.73%	0.78%	0.70%	1.20%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WCN and VUG in my portfolio?

WCN and VUG have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WCN or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to WCN (5.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WCN dropped -68.85% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs -0.83), 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.