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

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

Compare Stock Performance

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1991 to 2025 (35 years)

Head-to-Head Record

16
BIIB Wins
0
Ties
17
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Biogen Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 16 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Biogen Inc. in 17 years.

BIIB - Biogen Inc.

Average Annual Return:+37.40%
Best Year:+721.05% (1995)
Worst Year:-62.22% (1994)
Win Rate:57.1% (20/35 years)
Total Value:$526,688.26
Total Gain:+$516,688.26 (+5166.88%)

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: BIIB with an average annual return of 37.40% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding BIIB vs SPY Performance

When comparing Biogen 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 Biogen Inc. grew to $526,688, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearBIIB ReturnBIIB CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1991 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1992-30.67%$6,933.33---Tie
1993-31.37%$4,758.17---Tie
1994-36.11%$3,039.94+8.71%$10,870.91-44.82% (SPY)SPY
1995-62.22%$1,148.42+0.67%$10,943.47-62.89% (SPY)SPY
1996+721.05%$9,429.17+37.39%$15,035.16+683.66% (BIIB)BIIB
1997+24.18%$11,709.42+21.20%$18,223.19+2.98% (BIIB)BIIB
1998+52.78%$17,889.40+33.14%$24,261.81+19.64% (BIIB)BIIB
1999+38.75%$24,820.71+28.03%$31,063.11+10.71% (BIIB)BIIB
2000+320.32%$104,326.62+20.66%$37,482.18+299.66% (BIIB)BIIB
2001+103.28%$212,079.53-8.85%$34,165.23+112.13% (BIIB)BIIB
2002+16.34%$246,728.14-10.13%$30,703.75+26.47% (BIIB)BIIB
2003-51.33%$120,087.63-22.42%$23,820.14-28.91% (SPY)SPY
2004+6.87%$128,340.59+24.18%$29,580.86-17.31% (SPY)SPY
2005+80.32%$231,423.05+10.75%$32,760.13+69.57% (BIIB)BIIB
2006-31.69%$158,075.65+5.32%$34,504.59-37.02% (SPY)SPY
2007+5.24%$166,361.59+13.84%$39,281.03-8.60% (SPY)SPY
2008+15.39%$191,958.27+5.33%$41,375.53+10.05% (BIIB)BIIB
2009-14.75%$163,647.26-36.24%$26,382.38+21.49% (BIIB)BIIB
2010+10.33%$180,555.34+22.65%$32,359.23-12.32% (SPY)SPY
2011+25.00%$225,694.18+13.14%$36,610.39+11.86% (BIIB)BIIB
2012+63.76%$369,607.84+0.85%$36,922.44+62.91% (BIIB)BIIB
2013+28.96%$476,647.55+14.17%$42,154.69+14.79% (BIIB)BIIB
2014+86.38%$888,375.74+29.00%$54,380.19+57.38% (BIIB)BIIB
2015+21.09%$1,075,729.21+14.56%$62,298.86+6.53% (BIIB)BIIB
2016-10.43%$963,567.26+1.29%$63,101.60-11.72% (SPY)SPY
2017-3.75%$927,460.44+13.59%$71,674.43-17.33% (SPY)SPY
2018+9.21%$1,012,858.97+20.78%$86,569.38-11.57% (SPY)SPY
2019-9.95%$912,079.25-5.25%$82,026.91-4.70% (SPY)SPY
2020-2.61%$888,251.28+31.09%$107,527.02-33.70% (SPY)SPY
2021-16.78%$739,183.04+17.24%$126,059.55-34.02% (SPY)SPY
2022-1.25%$729,964.17+30.51%$164,514.60-31.75% (SPY)SPY
2023+13.43%$827,974.47-18.65%$133,838.54+32.07% (BIIB)BIIB
2024-5.08%$785,881.75+26.71%$169,585.78-31.79% (SPY)SPY
2025-42.88%$448,907.55+25.59%$212,981.61-68.47% (SPY)SPY
2026+17.33%$526,688.26+17.66%$250,597.02-0.33% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Biogen Inc.

BIIB

Biogen Inc. is an American multinational biotechnology company specializing in the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. The company focuses on conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the use of recombinant DNA technology in the biotechnology industry.
  • Developed Spinraza, the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Business Segments

  • Multiple Sclerosis
    Develops and commercializes therapies for multiple sclerosis.
  • Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
    Focuses on research and development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
    Develops and commercializes therapies for spinal muscular atrophy.
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.