CSGP vs SPY: CoStar Group, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

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

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1998 to 2025 (28 years)

Head-to-Head Record

18
CSGP Wins
0
Ties
10
SPY Wins

Over the 28-year comparison period, CoStar Group, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed CoStar Group, Inc. in 10 years.

CSGP - CoStar Group, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+25.33%
Best Year:+184.16% (1999)
Worst Year:-27.30% (2008)
Win Rate:64.3% (18/28 years)
Total Value:$1,085,877.53
Total Gain:+$1,075,877.53 (+10758.78%)

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: CSGP with an average annual return of 25.33% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding CSGP vs SPY Performance

When comparing CoStar Group, 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 CoStar Group, Inc. grew to $1,085,878, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearCSGP ReturnCSGP CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1998 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1999+37.41%$13,741.50+28.03%$31,063.11+9.38% (CSGP)CSGP
2000+184.16%$39,047.62+20.66%$37,482.18+163.49% (CSGP)CSGP
2001-24.70%$29,402.39-8.85%$34,165.23-15.85% (SPY)SPY
2002+11.03%$32,645.15-10.13%$30,703.75+21.16% (CSGP)CSGP
2003-19.96%$26,130.28-22.42%$23,820.14+2.46% (CSGP)CSGP
2004+134.67%$61,318.68+24.18%$29,580.86+110.48% (CSGP)CSGP
2005+9.56%$67,181.41+10.75%$32,760.13-1.19% (SPY)SPY
2006-6.58%$62,761.77+5.32%$34,504.59-11.90% (SPY)SPY
2007+21.56%$76,294.16+13.84%$39,281.03+7.72% (CSGP)CSGP
2008-9.40%$69,125.57+5.33%$41,375.53-14.73% (SPY)SPY
2009-27.30%$50,253.73-36.24%$26,382.38+8.94% (CSGP)CSGP
2010+24.65%$62,640.95+22.65%$32,359.23+1.99% (CSGP)CSGP
2011+36.24%$85,339.95+13.14%$36,610.39+23.10% (CSGP)CSGP
2012+14.48%$97,696.60+0.85%$36,922.44+13.63% (CSGP)CSGP
2013+35.66%$132,531.05+14.17%$42,154.69+21.48% (CSGP)CSGP
2014+98.30%$262,812.45+29.00%$54,380.19+69.30% (CSGP)CSGP
2015+0.96%$265,341.17+14.56%$62,298.86-13.60% (SPY)SPY
2016+14.74%$304,465.48+1.29%$63,101.60+13.46% (CSGP)CSGP
2017-4.58%$290,516.87+13.59%$71,674.43-18.17% (SPY)SPY
2018+59.52%$463,438.01+20.78%$86,569.38+38.74% (CSGP)CSGP
2019+13.66%$526,756.89-5.25%$82,026.91+18.91% (CSGP)CSGP
2020+78.75%$941,559.09+31.09%$107,527.02+47.66% (CSGP)CSGP
2021+48.92%$1,402,159.35+17.24%$126,059.55+31.68% (CSGP)CSGP
2022-11.72%$1,237,770.59+30.51%$164,514.60-42.23% (SPY)SPY
2023-1.98%$1,213,278.98-18.65%$133,838.54+16.67% (CSGP)CSGP
2024+12.54%$1,365,466.15+26.71%$169,585.78-14.17% (SPY)SPY
2025-16.23%$1,143,853.47+25.59%$212,981.61-41.82% (SPY)SPY
2026-5.07%$1,085,877.53+17.66%$250,597.02-22.73% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

CoStar Group, Inc.

CSGP

CoStar Group, Inc. is a leading provider of information, analytics, and marketing services for the commercial property industry across North America and Europe. It is also a global leader in online real estate marketplaces and 3D digital twin technology.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the digitization and centralization of commercial real estate property information, a novel concept before the widespread availability of the internet.
  • Became a global leader in online real estate marketplaces and 3D digital twin technology through strategic acquisitions and internal development.

Business Segments

  • Information and Analytics Services
    Provides comprehensive data on commercial real estate properties, market insights, and investment analysis tools under brands like CoStar and STR.
  • Online Marketplaces
    Operates leading online real estate marketplaces for commercial properties (LoopNet), apartments (Apartments.com), and homes (Homes.com).
  • Digital Twin Technology
    Offers 3D spatial mapping and digital twin technology solutions through Matterport.
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.