NKLA vs. VTSAX

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Nikola Corporation (NKLA) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX).

VTSAX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 13, 2000.

Performance

NKLA vs. VTSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nikola Corporation (NKLA) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

NKLA vs. VTSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NKLA Nikola Corporation	0.00%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	-8.34%

Returns By Period

NKLA

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTSAX

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -7.71%
• YTD: -6.75%
• 6M: -4.47%
• 1Y: 14.76%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 10.11%
• 10Y*: 13.27%

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

Return for Risk

NKLA vs. VTSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSAX

VTSAX Risk / Return Rank: 46
VTSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VTSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VTSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VTSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VTSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

NKLA vs. VTSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nikola Corporation (NKLA) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NKLA	VTSAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.43	—

Dividends

NKLA vs. VTSAX - Dividend Comparison

NKLA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VTSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%.

	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NKLA Nikola Corporation	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.20%	1.11%	1.26%	1.42%	1.65%	1.20%	1.41%	1.76%	2.03%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Drawdowns

NKLA vs. VTSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NKLA drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum VTSAX drawdown of -55.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NKLA and VTSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NKLA	VTSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-55.33%	+55.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-8.92%	+8.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-9.06%	+9.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.56%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NKLA	VTSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.39%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	18.42%	-18.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	17.32%	-17.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	18.37%	-18.37%