ZTS vs. MGK

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ZTS (Zoetis Inc.) is a stock, while MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, ZTS returned 6.24%/yr vs 18.85%/yr for MGK. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

ZTS vs. MGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZTS achieves a -36.21% return, which is significantly lower than MGK's 5.33% return. Over the past 10 years, ZTS has underperformed MGK with an annualized return of 6.24%, while MGK has yielded a comparatively higher 18.85% annualized return.

ZTS

• 1D: -2.25%
• 1M: 7.21%
• YTD: -36.21%
• 6M: -32.36%
• 1Y: -50.83%
• 3Y*: -20.79%
• 5Y*: -14.41%
• 10Y*: 6.24%

MGK

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 6.21%
• 1Y: 24.77%
• 3Y*: 24.17%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 18.85%

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

ZTS vs. MGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ZTS Zoetis Inc.	-36.21%	-21.75%	-16.63%	35.91%	-39.51%	48.26%	25.76%	55.71%	19.45%	35.55%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	5.33%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%

Correlation

The correlation between ZTS and MGK is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2013	0.50

Over the past year, the correlation between ZTS and MGK has dropped to 0.15 - well below their long-term average of 0.50, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

ZTS vs. MGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZTS

ZTS Risk / Return Rank: 2
ZTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
ZTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
ZTS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
ZTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
ZTS Martin Ratio Rank: 1

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 39
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

ZTS vs. MGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). 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.

	ZTS	MGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.46	1.37	-2.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.10	1.89	-3.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.66	1.24	-0.58
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.97	1.37	-2.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-2.09	4.65	-6.74

ZTS vs. MGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZTS Sharpe Ratio is -1.46, which is lower than the MGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZTS and MGK, 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

ZTS vs. MGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZTS drawdown since its inception was -68.48%, which is greater than MGK's maximum drawdown of -48.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZTS and MGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZTS	MGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.48%	-48.43%	-20.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.15%	-16.85%	-37.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-61.77%	-23.36%	-38.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-68.48%	-36.01%	-32.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-68.48%	-36.01%	-32.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.20%	-5.63%	-60.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.85%	-7.58%	-7.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	26.53%	4.97%	+21.56%

Volatility

ZTS vs. MGK - Volatility Comparison

Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) has a higher volatility of 8.65% compared to Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) at 5.96%. This indicates that ZTS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZTS	MGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.65%	5.96%	+2.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.45%	13.29%	+18.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.73%	16.87%	+18.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.77%	22.72%	+6.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.10%	21.93%	+5.17%

Dividends

ZTS vs. MGK - Dividend Comparison

ZTS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, more than MGK's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.33%	0.35%	0.43%	0.50%	0.70%	0.41%	0.65%	0.85%	1.12%	1.23%	1.53%	1.43%
ZTS Zoetis Inc.	2.59%	1.59%	1.06%	0.76%	0.89%	0.41%	0.48%	0.50%	0.59%	0.58%	0.71%	0.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZTS and MGK in my portfolio?

ZTS and MGK have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZTS or MGK?

ZTS has higher volatility (8.65%) compared to MGK (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZTS dropped -68.48% vs MGK's -48.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs -1.46), 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.