ABBV vs SPY: AbbVie Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This ABBV vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of AbbVie Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.

Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how AbbVie Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2013 to 2025 (13 years)

Head-to-Head Record

8
ABBV Wins
0
Ties
5
SPY Wins

Over the 13-year comparison period, AbbVie Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 8 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed AbbVie Inc. in 5 years.

ABBV - AbbVie Inc.

Average Annual Return:+21.93%
Best Year:+60.61% (2017)
Worst Year:-7.14% (2015)
Win Rate:76.9% (10/13 years)
Total Value:$110,194.16
Total Gain:+$100,194.16 (+1001.94%)

SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

Average Annual Return:+11.71%
Best Year:+37.39% (1995)
Worst Year:-36.24% (2008)
Win Rate:81.8% (27/33 years)
Total Value:$250,597.02
Total Gain:+$240,597.02 (+2405.97%)

Overall Winner: ABBV with an average annual return of 21.93% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding ABBV vs SPY Performance

When comparing AbbVie Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.

Cumulative Growth Comparison

A $10,000 investment in AbbVie Inc. grew to $110,194, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearABBV ReturnABBV CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2013 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2014+56.38%$15,637.62+29.00%$54,380.19+27.37% (ABBV)ABBV
2015+29.96%$20,322.79+14.56%$62,298.86+15.40% (ABBV)ABBV
2016-7.14%$18,871.88+1.29%$63,101.60-8.43% (SPY)SPY
2017+12.90%$21,306.06+13.59%$71,674.43-0.69% (SPY)SPY
2018+60.61%$34,220.39+20.78%$86,569.38+39.83% (ABBV)ABBV
2019-2.67%$33,307.58-5.25%$82,026.91+2.58% (ABBV)ABBV
2020+4.83%$34,917.72+31.09%$107,527.02-26.25% (SPY)SPY
2021+26.28%$44,093.33+17.24%$126,059.55+9.04% (ABBV)ABBV
2022+34.61%$59,354.91+30.51%$164,514.60+4.11% (ABBV)ABBV
2023+23.99%$73,593.78-18.65%$133,838.54+42.64% (ABBV)ABBV
2024-0.71%$73,072.79+26.71%$169,585.78-27.42% (SPY)SPY
2025+15.25%$84,217.90+25.59%$212,981.61-10.34% (SPY)SPY
2026+30.84%$110,194.16+17.66%$250,597.02+13.18% (ABBV)ABBV

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means ABBV outperformed SPY that year.

Company Profiles

1

AbbVie Inc.

ABBV

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company that originated as a spin-off of Abbott Laboratories. The company's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. They strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

Key Innovations

  • Humira (adalimumab), a biologic medication used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases.
  • Imbruvica (ibrutinib), a targeted therapy for certain types of cancer.
  • Venclexta (venetoclax), a medication for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Business Segments

  • Immunology
    This segment includes products for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease.
  • Oncology
    This segment develops and markets treatments for various types of cancer.
  • Neuroscience
    This segment focuses on treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
2

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

SPY

SPY is the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed in the US. It is designed to track the S&P 500 Index, which measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the US equity market.

Key Innovations

  • First US-listed ETF

Business Segments

  • ETF
    Passive investment vehicle tracking the S&P 500.

How This Comparison Works

Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:

  • Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
  • Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
  • Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
  • Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates

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Important Disclaimer

This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.