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

This CMI vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Cummins 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 Cummins 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 1986 to 2025 (40 years)

Head-to-Head Record

20
CMI Wins
0
Ties
13
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Cummins Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 20 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Cummins Inc. in 13 years.

CMI - Cummins Inc.

Average Annual Return:+19.34%
Best Year:+137.11% (2010)
Worst Year:-56.07% (2008)
Win Rate:67.5% (27/40 years)
Total Value:$1,065,913.23
Total Gain:+$1,055,913.23 (+10559.13%)

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: CMI with an average annual return of 19.34% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding CMI vs SPY Performance

When comparing Cummins 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 Cummins Inc. grew to $1,065,913, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearCMI ReturnCMI CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987-5.27%$9,473.20---Tie
1988-28.32%$6,790.22---Tie
1989+32.96%$9,028.10---Tie
1990-17.09%$7,484.91---Tie
1991-23.78%$5,704.73---Tie
1992+50.68%$8,595.81---Tie
1993+45.55%$12,511.20---Tie
1994+41.15%$17,659.41+8.71%$10,870.91+32.44% (CMI)CMI
1995-13.99%$15,188.60+0.67%$10,943.47-14.66% (SPY)SPY
1996-16.95%$12,613.65+37.39%$15,035.16-54.34% (SPY)SPY
1997+21.94%$15,380.56+21.20%$18,223.19+0.73% (CMI)CMI
1998+34.23%$20,645.91+33.14%$24,261.81+1.10% (CMI)CMI
1999-39.22%$12,547.68+28.03%$31,063.11-67.26% (SPY)SPY
2000+36.69%$17,151.26+20.66%$37,482.18+16.02% (CMI)CMI
2001-16.93%$14,248.34-8.85%$34,165.23-8.08% (SPY)SPY
2002+5.28%$15,000.09-10.13%$30,703.75+15.41% (CMI)CMI
2003-25.30%$11,205.14-22.42%$23,820.14-2.88% (SPY)SPY
2004+73.18%$19,405.08+24.18%$29,580.86+49.00% (CMI)CMI
2005+75.24%$34,004.97+10.75%$32,760.13+64.49% (CMI)CMI
2006+10.74%$37,658.74+5.32%$34,504.59+5.42% (CMI)CMI
2007+31.57%$49,547.70+13.84%$39,281.03+17.73% (CMI)CMI
2008+117.99%$108,011.40+5.33%$41,375.53+112.66% (CMI)CMI
2009-56.07%$47,446.88-36.24%$26,382.38-19.84% (SPY)SPY
2010+60.14%$75,980.10+22.65%$32,359.23+37.48% (CMI)CMI
2011+137.11%$180,156.88+13.14%$36,610.39+123.97% (CMI)CMI
2012-20.18%$143,794.79+0.85%$36,922.44-21.04% (SPY)SPY
2013+21.05%$174,063.72+14.17%$42,154.69+6.88% (CMI)CMI
2014+26.63%$220,418.60+29.00%$54,380.19-2.37% (SPY)SPY
2015+6.09%$233,845.06+14.56%$62,298.86-8.47% (SPY)SPY
2016-38.13%$144,672.10+1.29%$63,101.60-39.42% (SPY)SPY
2017+57.18%$227,390.00+13.59%$71,674.43+43.59% (CMI)CMI
2018+29.77%$295,092.04+20.78%$86,569.38+8.99% (CMI)CMI
2019-22.25%$229,435.47-5.25%$82,026.91-17.00% (SPY)SPY
2020+38.31%$317,324.40+31.09%$107,527.02+7.22% (CMI)CMI
2021+30.24%$413,288.22+17.24%$126,059.55+13.01% (CMI)CMI
2022+0.87%$416,866.56+30.51%$164,514.60-29.64% (SPY)SPY
2023+13.36%$472,575.14-18.65%$133,838.54+32.01% (CMI)CMI
2024+2.25%$483,192.51+26.71%$169,585.78-24.46% (SPY)SPY
2025+47.93%$714,788.22+25.59%$212,981.61+22.34% (CMI)CMI
2026+49.12%$1,065,913.23+17.66%$250,597.02+31.46% (CMI)CMI

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

Company Profiles

1

Cummins Inc.

CMI

Cummins Inc. is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, distributes, and services a broad portfolio of power solutions. These include diesel and natural gas engines, hybrid and electric powertrains, filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, and batteries.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the development of high-performance diesel engines for a wide range of applications, including commercial vehicles and automotive use.
  • Invented the 'Jake Brake' (engine brake), a significant safety innovation for heavy-duty trucks.

Business Segments

  • Engine
    Manufactures and markets a broad range of diesel and natural gas engines for the on-highway and off-highway markets.
  • Distribution
    Provides sales, service, and support for Cummins products to end users through a global network.
  • Components
    Supplies filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, and automated transmission 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.