CTSH vs SPY: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This CTSH vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation 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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation 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 1998 to 2025 (28 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 28-year comparison period, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 15 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation in 13 years.
CTSH - Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: CTSH with an average annual return of 37.82% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding CTSH vs SPY Performance
When comparing Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation 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 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation grew to $5,677,638, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | CTSH Return | CTSH Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1999 | +203.75% | $30,375.08 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | +175.72% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2000 | +264.37% | $110,679.18 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | +243.71% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2001 | -24.35% | $83,729.97 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | -15.50% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2002 | +23.71% | $103,585.07 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | +33.84% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2003 | +88.30% | $195,045.63 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | +110.71% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2004 | +89.51% | $369,628.25 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +65.32% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2005 | +79.90% | $664,953.89 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +69.15% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2006 | +20.18% | $799,120.84 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +14.85% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2007 | +52.28% | $1,216,897.41 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +38.44% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2008 | -12.71% | $1,062,281.88 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | -18.04% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2009 | -43.97% | $595,247.12 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -7.73% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +137.08% | $1,411,221.34 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +114.43% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2011 | +56.60% | $2,210,010.05 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +43.47% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2012 | -14.66% | $1,885,957.55 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -15.52% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | +12.42% | $2,120,123.76 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | -1.75% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2014 | +32.62% | $2,811,795.01 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | +3.62% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2015 | +6.56% | $2,996,137.15 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | -8.01% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2016 | +13.95% | $3,414,241.61 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +12.67% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2017 | -3.61% | $3,290,898.01 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | -17.20% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2018 | +26.47% | $4,161,937.91 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +5.69% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2019 | -9.57% | $3,763,469.20 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | -4.33% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2020 | -0.46% | $3,746,139.45 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -31.55% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +34.14% | $5,025,181.85 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | +16.91% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2022 | +13.13% | $5,685,080.28 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | -17.37% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | -35.16% | $3,686,071.50 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -16.52% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | +33.45% | $4,918,921.68 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +6.74% (CTSH) | CTSH |
| 2025 | +5.03% | $5,166,175.27 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -20.56% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | +9.90% | $5,677,638.24 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -7.76% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means CTSH outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation
CTSH
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation is an American multinational information technology consulting and outsourcing company. It offers a range of consulting, technology, and outsourcing services, including artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, application development, systems integration, and business process services.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered in providing offshore IT services for large-scale IT projects, a model that significantly reduced costs for clients.
- ✓Continuously expanded its service offerings to include advanced technologies like AI, cloud, and digital transformation.
Business Segments
- Financial ServicesProvides consulting and technology services to banking, capital markets, and insurance clients.
- HealthcareOffers solutions to healthcare providers, payers, and life sciences companies.
- Manufacturing, Retail, and LogisticsServes clients in manufacturing, retail, consumer goods, and transportation industries.
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.