DLR vs SPY: Digital Realty Trust, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This DLR vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Digital Realty Trust, 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 Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2004 to 2025 (22 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 22-year comparison period, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 15 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in 7 years.
DLR - Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: DLR with an average annual return of 20.35% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding DLR vs SPY Performance
When comparing Digital Realty Trust, 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 Digital Realty Trust, Inc. grew to $310,674, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | DLR Return | DLR Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2005 | +13.56% | $11,355.93 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +2.81% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2006 | +76.28% | $20,017.77 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +70.95% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2007 | +56.31% | $31,288.96 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +42.46% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2008 | +14.41% | $35,797.21 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +9.08% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2009 | -11.63% | $31,633.57 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | +24.61% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2010 | +66.29% | $52,602.84 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +43.63% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2011 | +6.45% | $55,993.34 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | -6.69% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | +33.92% | $74,988.59 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | +33.07% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2013 | +6.64% | $79,967.72 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | -7.53% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2014 | -24.46% | $60,409.30 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -53.46% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +41.57% | $85,518.43 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +27.00% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2016 | +20.00% | $102,619.15 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +18.71% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2017 | +33.86% | $137,367.52 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +20.28% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2018 | +18.47% | $162,738.18 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | -2.31% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2019 | -1.93% | $159,589.62 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +3.31% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2020 | +20.31% | $192,003.19 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -10.78% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +22.15% | $234,524.98 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | +4.91% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2022 | +34.73% | $315,983.30 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +4.23% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2023 | -40.40% | $188,325.96 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -21.75% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | +36.46% | $256,995.11 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +9.75% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2025 | +35.24% | $347,566.63 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +9.65% (DLR) | DLR |
| 2026 | -10.61% | $310,674.38 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -28.28% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means DLR outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
DLR
Digital Realty Trust Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in acquiring, owning, developing, and operating data centers globally. It provides essential digital infrastructure, focusing on building and managing the physical spaces where digital information resides, including land, buildings, power, cooling, and security systems for data centers. The company generates revenue primarily through leasing data center space and providing high-speed connectivity services.
Key Innovations
- ✓PlatformDIGITAL® and PDx® (Pervasive Datacenter Architecture) for global data center solutions.
- ✓Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) and ePlus AI Experience Center for advancing AI and hybrid cloud deployments, including optimizing AI infrastructure.
- ✓AI Infrastructure Advancement: Supporting NVIDIA AI Factory Research Center and NVIDIA DSX Blueprint; facilities designed for high-density power, cooling, and robust connectivity for AI.
- ✓Commitment to sustainability initiatives, including carbon emission reduction goals and climate neutrality.
Business Segments
- Data Center SolutionsProvides secure, reliable, and interconnected data center space, including colocation services.
- Interconnection ServicesOffers high-speed connectivity and network services within and between its data centers.
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.