ANET vs SPY: Arista Networks, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This ANET vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Arista Networks, 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 Arista Networks, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2014 to 2025 (12 years)

Head-to-Head Record

8
ANET Wins
0
Ties
4
SPY Wins

Over the 12-year comparison period, Arista Networks, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 8 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Arista Networks, Inc. in 4 years.

ANET - Arista Networks, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+43.62%
Best Year:+142.72% (2017)
Worst Year:-14.69% (2022)
Win Rate:75.0% (9/12 years)
Total Value:$393,146.66
Total Gain:+$383,146.66 (+3831.47%)

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: ANET with an average annual return of 43.62% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding ANET vs SPY Performance

When comparing Arista Networks, 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 Arista Networks, Inc. grew to $393,147, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearANET ReturnANET CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2014 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2015+10.47%$11,047.27+14.56%$62,298.86-4.09% (SPY)SPY
2016+24.19%$13,719.20+1.29%$63,101.60+22.90% (ANET)ANET
2017+25.03%$17,152.55+13.59%$71,674.43+11.44% (ANET)ANET
2018+142.72%$41,631.95+20.78%$86,569.38+121.93% (ANET)ANET
2019-8.80%$37,968.46-5.25%$82,026.91-3.55% (SPY)SPY
2020-3.40%$36,679.10+31.09%$107,527.02-34.48% (SPY)SPY
2021+41.94%$52,060.60+17.24%$126,059.55+24.70% (ANET)ANET
2022+103.07%$105,717.06+30.51%$164,514.60+72.56% (ANET)ANET
2023-14.69%$90,190.97-18.65%$133,838.54+3.96% (ANET)ANET
2024+94.78%$175,675.09+26.71%$169,585.78+68.07% (ANET)ANET
2025+90.93%$335,418.34+25.59%$212,981.61+65.34% (ANET)ANET
2026+17.21%$393,146.66+17.66%$250,597.02-0.45% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Arista Networks, Inc.

ANET

Arista Networks is a computer networking company that designs and sells multilayer network switches to deliver software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for large datacenter, cloud computing, high-performance computing, and high-frequency trading environments.

Key Innovations

  • The development of EOS (Extensible Operating System), a modular and programmable network operating system.
  • A focus on open standards and merchant silicon to provide customers with greater flexibility and choice.

Business Segments

  • Products
    Includes the company's portfolio of high-performance network switches and routers.
  • Services
    Includes technical support, hardware repair and parts replacement beyond the standard warranty, and other services.
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.