BDX vs SPY: Becton, Dickinson and Company vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This BDX vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Becton, Dickinson and Company 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 Becton, Dickinson and Company and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)

Head-to-Head Record

19
BDX Wins
0
Ties
14
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Becton, Dickinson and Company outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 19 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Becton, Dickinson and Company in 14 years.

BDX - Becton, Dickinson and Company

Average Annual Return:+14.07%
Best Year:+72.15% (1998)
Worst Year:-36.65% (1999)
Win Rate:72.5% (29/40 years)
Total Value:$911,657.76
Total Gain:+$901,657.76 (+9016.58%)

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: BDX with an average annual return of 14.07% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding BDX vs SPY Performance

When comparing Becton, Dickinson and Company 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 Becton, Dickinson and Company grew to $911,658, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearBDX ReturnBDX CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+62.63%$16,262.52---Tie
1988+2.17%$16,614.79---Tie
1989+2.63%$17,051.50---Tie
1990+22.92%$20,959.23---Tie
1991+20.94%$25,347.71---Tie
1992-6.80%$23,623.67---Tie
1993+20.44%$28,451.38---Tie
1994-6.30%$26,659.14+8.71%$10,870.91-15.01% (SPY)SPY
1995+36.29%$36,332.96+0.67%$10,943.47+35.62% (BDX)BDX
1996+57.62%$57,269.26+37.39%$15,035.16+20.23% (BDX)BDX
1997+15.82%$66,331.78+21.20%$18,223.19-5.38% (SPY)SPY
1998+16.66%$77,382.68+33.14%$24,261.81-16.48% (SPY)SPY
1999+72.15%$133,212.94+28.03%$31,063.11+44.12% (BDX)BDX
2000-36.65%$84,383.98+20.66%$37,482.18-57.32% (SPY)SPY
2001+33.87%$112,968.32-8.85%$34,165.23+42.72% (BDX)BDX
2002-1.96%$110,752.62-10.13%$30,703.75+8.17% (BDX)BDX
2003-6.72%$103,313.75-22.42%$23,820.14+15.70% (BDX)BDX
2004+32.01%$136,384.94+24.18%$29,580.86+7.83% (BDX)BDX
2005+40.15%$191,143.84+10.75%$32,760.13+29.40% (BDX)BDX
2006+8.70%$207,774.42+5.32%$34,504.59+3.38% (BDX)BDX
2007+17.62%$244,375.77+13.84%$39,281.03+3.77% (BDX)BDX
2008+20.25%$293,850.94+5.33%$41,375.53+14.91% (BDX)BDX
2009-19.99%$235,120.32-36.24%$26,382.38+16.25% (BDX)BDX
2010+15.13%$270,687.24+22.65%$32,359.23-7.53% (SPY)SPY
2011+9.74%$297,048.89+13.14%$36,610.39-3.40% (SPY)SPY
2012-9.91%$267,603.27+0.85%$36,922.44-10.77% (SPY)SPY
2013+7.63%$288,020.34+14.17%$42,154.69-6.54% (SPY)SPY
2014+41.98%$408,941.30+29.00%$54,380.19+12.98% (BDX)BDX
2015+29.86%$531,051.05+14.56%$62,298.86+15.30% (BDX)BDX
2016+12.07%$595,126.20+1.29%$63,101.60+10.78% (BDX)BDX
2017+13.76%$676,998.94+13.59%$71,674.43+0.17% (BDX)BDX
2018+31.56%$890,659.79+20.78%$86,569.38+10.78% (BDX)BDX
2019+4.76%$933,096.67-5.25%$82,026.91+10.01% (BDX)BDX
2020+25.11%$1,167,420.75+31.09%$107,527.02-5.97% (SPY)SPY
2021-6.95%$1,086,294.53+17.24%$126,059.55-24.18% (SPY)SPY
2022+1.69%$1,104,605.94+30.51%$164,514.60-28.82% (SPY)SPY
2023+4.36%$1,152,814.41-18.65%$133,838.54+23.01% (BDX)BDX
2024-3.38%$1,113,807.23+26.71%$169,585.78-30.09% (SPY)SPY
2025-5.99%$1,047,091.02+25.59%$212,981.61-31.58% (SPY)SPY
2026-12.93%$911,657.76+17.66%$250,597.02-30.60% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Becton, Dickinson and Company

BDX

BD is a global medical technology company that is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD leads in patient and healthcare worker safety and the technologies that enable medical research and clinical laboratories.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the development of standardized, sterile medical devices, such as syringes and thermometers.
  • Introduced the 'Transfuso-Vac' blood collection system, which revolutionized blood banking.
  • Developed the Luer-Lok syringe tip, a secure method for attaching and detaching needles.

Business Segments

  • BD Medical
    Produces a broad array of medical devices, including medication delivery systems, diabetes care solutions, and other medical supplies.
  • BD Life Sciences
    Provides products for the collection and transport of diagnostic specimens, instruments and reagents for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, and flow cytometry systems for research and clinical applications.
  • BD Interventional
    Offers solutions for vascular, urology, oncology, and surgical specialty products.
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.