CAT vs SPY: Caterpillar Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This CAT vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Caterpillar 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 Caterpillar Inc. 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
Over the 33-year comparison period, Caterpillar Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 20 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Caterpillar Inc. in 13 years.
CAT - Caterpillar Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: CAT with an average annual return of 17.35% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding CAT vs SPY Performance
When comparing Caterpillar 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 Caterpillar Inc. grew to $2,221,459, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | CAT Return | CAT Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | -2.19% | $9,781.31 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | +55.61% | $15,220.70 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | +2.85% | $15,655.20 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | -7.22% | $14,524.21 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | -18.27% | $11,870.14 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | -3.44% | $11,462.01 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | +24.45% | $14,264.50 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | +65.14% | $23,556.44 | +8.71% | $10,870.91 | +56.43% (CAT) | CAT |
| 1995 | +24.41% | $29,305.60 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | +23.74% (CAT) | CAT |
| 1996 | +9.02% | $31,949.74 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | -28.37% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1997 | +29.43% | $41,352.11 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | +8.22% (CAT) | CAT |
| 1998 | +35.36% | $55,973.76 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | +2.22% (CAT) | CAT |
| 1999 | -4.04% | $53,710.43 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | -32.08% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2000 | +1.63% | $54,588.08 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | -19.03% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2001 | +0.78% | $55,015.33 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | +9.63% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2002 | +16.10% | $63,873.96 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | +26.23% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2003 | -8.71% | $58,309.27 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | +13.71% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2004 | +78.23% | $103,925.10 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +54.05% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2005 | +20.27% | $124,995.66 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +9.53% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2006 | +23.77% | $154,709.44 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +18.45% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2007 | +7.80% | $166,780.16 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | -6.04% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2008 | +20.82% | $201,502.35 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +15.49% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2009 | -35.08% | $130,822.31 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | +1.16% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2010 | +26.86% | $165,956.24 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +4.20% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2011 | +64.04% | $272,234.15 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +50.90% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2012 | -1.97% | $266,882.67 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -2.82% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | -2.06% | $261,388.62 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | -16.23% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2014 | -0.88% | $259,082.23 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -29.88% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +4.56% | $270,893.28 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | -10.00% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2016 | -23.27% | $207,864.41 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | -24.56% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2017 | +42.04% | $295,257.37 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +28.46% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2018 | +72.71% | $509,926.72 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +51.92% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2019 | -17.27% | $421,838.72 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | -12.03% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2020 | +20.17% | $506,907.03 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -10.92% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +24.56% | $631,414.05 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | +7.33% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2022 | +15.87% | $731,625.25 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | -14.63% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | +18.45% | $866,609.06 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | +37.10% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2024 | +26.31% | $1,094,590.40 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | -0.40% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | +25.92% | $1,378,300.04 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +0.33% (CAT) | CAT |
| 2026 | +61.17% | $2,221,458.70 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +43.51% (CAT) | CAT |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means CAT outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Caterpillar Inc.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc. is a leading American manufacturer of construction, mining, and other engineering equipment, recognized as the world's largest in its field. The company also produces off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Beyond manufacturing, Caterpillar offers financial and insurance services, and licenses a line of clothing and workwear boots under its Cat/Caterpillar brand.
Key Innovations
- ✓Developed continuous tracks for tractors, leading to the adoption of the 'Caterpillar' name.
- ✓Pioneered the development and mass production of diesel engines for heavy equipment.
Business Segments
- Construction IndustriesSupports customers using construction equipment in infrastructure, forestry, and building construction applications.
- Resource IndustriesSupports customers using mining and quarrying equipment and related services.
- Energy & TransportationSupports customers with power generation, oil and gas, industrial, and transportation applications.
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
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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.