NXPI vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NXPI (NXP Semiconductors N.V.) is a stock, while SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) is Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Over the past 10 years, NXPI returned 15.53%/yr vs 37.85%/yr for SMH. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

NXPI vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXPI achieves a 38.90% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 72.73% return. Over the past 10 years, NXPI has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 15.53%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 37.85% annualized return.

NXPI

• 1D: -7.21%
• 1M: -5.22%
• YTD: 38.90%
• 6M: 33.42%
• 1Y: 44.96%
• 3Y*: 18.68%
• 5Y*: 9.92%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

SMH

• 1D: -7.01%
• 1M: 7.93%
• YTD: 72.73%
• 6M: 71.29%
• 1Y: 138.23%
• 3Y*: 62.28%
• 5Y*: 38.18%
• 10Y*: 37.85%

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

NXPI vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NXPI NXP Semiconductors N.V.	38.90%	6.39%	-7.97%	48.39%	-29.21%	44.83%	26.60%	75.73%	-37.05%	19.47%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.73%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between NXPI and SMH is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2010	0.72

The correlation between NXPI and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NXPI vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXPI

NXPI Risk / Return Rank: 72
NXPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
NXPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
NXPI Omega Ratio Rank: 70
NXPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
NXPI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 94
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

NXPI vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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.

	NXPI	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	3.99	-3.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	4.05	-2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.58	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	9.31	-7.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.43	33.88	-29.44

NXPI vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXPI Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXPI and SMH, 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

NXPI vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXPI drawdown since its inception was -59.98%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXPI and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXPI	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.98%	-84.96%	+24.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.58%	-14.93%	-9.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-46.47%	-35.74%	-10.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.47%	-45.30%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.26%	-45.30%	-7.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.84%	-7.01%	-2.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.52%	-41.01%	+24.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.17%	4.10%	+6.07%

Volatility

NXPI vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) have volatilities of 18.88% and 19.08%, 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

	NXPI	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.88%	19.08%	-0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.57%	29.18%	+9.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.29%	34.87%	+12.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.67%	35.83%	+5.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.80%	32.97%	+7.83%

Dividends

NXPI vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

NXPI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NXPI NXP Semiconductors N.V.	1.35%	1.87%	1.95%	1.77%	2.14%	0.99%	0.94%	0.98%	0.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXPI and SMH in my portfolio?

NXPI and SMH have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NXPI or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (19.08%) compared to NXPI (18.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXPI dropped -59.98% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.99 vs 0.96), 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.