BRK-B vs SPY: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This BRK-B vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Berkshire Hathaway 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 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.
Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically
Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1996 to 2025 (30 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 30-year comparison period, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 16 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in 14 years.
BRK-B - Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: BRK-B with an average annual return of 12.41% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding BRK-B vs SPY Performance
When comparing Berkshire Hathaway 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 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. grew to $222,749, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | BRK-B Return | BRK-B Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1997 | -4.14% | $9,586.21 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | -25.34% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1998 | +40.29% | $13,448.65 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | +7.15% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 1999 | +53.70% | $20,669.94 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | +25.66% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2000 | -21.46% | $16,234.33 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | -42.12% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2001 | +33.37% | $21,651.90 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | +42.22% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2002 | +4.73% | $22,675.68 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | +14.86% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2003 | -2.46% | $22,118.83 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | +19.96% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2004 | +17.59% | $26,008.56 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | -6.60% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2005 | +4.74% | $27,242.64 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | -6.00% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2006 | +1.26% | $27,585.64 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | -4.07% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2007 | +23.64% | $34,107.58 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +9.80% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2008 | +30.00% | $44,340.79 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +24.67% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2009 | -30.21% | $30,947.08 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | +6.03% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2010 | -1.11% | $30,602.50 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | -23.77% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2011 | +20.98% | $37,021.54 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +7.84% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2012 | -5.11% | $35,129.25 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -5.96% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | +15.47% | $40,565.06 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +1.30% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2014 | +27.21% | $51,602.93 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -1.79% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +27.79% | $65,941.96 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +13.23% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2016 | -11.48% | $58,369.48 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | -12.77% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2017 | +24.65% | $72,757.62 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +11.06% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2018 | +20.99% | $88,030.36 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +0.21% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2019 | +3.53% | $91,137.00 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +8.78% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2020 | +11.69% | $101,787.62 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -19.40% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +1.52% | $103,338.57 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -15.71% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +30.88% | $135,251.62 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +0.38% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2023 | +2.70% | $138,898.31 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | +21.34% (BRK-B) | BRK-B |
| 2024 | +15.09% | $159,851.16 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | -11.62% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | +25.06% | $199,904.36 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -0.53% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | +11.43% | $222,748.67 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -6.23% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means BRK-B outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is known for its diverse portfolio of businesses and investments, and for being led by renowned investor Warren Buffett. The company operates in a wide array of industries, including insurance, freight rail transportation, utilities and energy, manufacturing, service, and retailing.
Key Innovations
- ✓A unique investment philosophy focused on acquiring and holding strong businesses with durable competitive advantages.
- ✓Decentralized management approach, granting significant autonomy to its subsidiary companies.
Business Segments
- InsuranceEngages in primary insurance and reinsurance of property and casualty risks.
- Freight Rail TransportationOperates the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, one of the largest railroad systems in North America.
- Utilities and EnergyEngages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and natural gas through Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
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
- ETFPassive 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
Share This Comparison
People also compared
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.