FTAI vs SPY: FTAI Aviation Ltd. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This FTAI vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of FTAI Aviation Ltd. 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 FTAI Aviation Ltd. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2015 to 2025 (11 years)

Head-to-Head Record

8
FTAI Wins
0
Ties
3
SPY Wins

Over the 11-year comparison period, FTAI Aviation Ltd. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 8 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed FTAI Aviation Ltd. in 3 years.

FTAI - FTAI Aviation Ltd.

Average Annual Return:+50.89%
Best Year:+222.14% (2024)
Worst Year:-31.16% (2015)
Win Rate:72.7% (8/11 years)
Total Value:$275,396.30
Total Gain:+$265,396.30 (+2653.96%)

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: FTAI with an average annual return of 50.89% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding FTAI vs SPY Performance

When comparing FTAI Aviation Ltd. 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 FTAI Aviation Ltd. grew to $275,396, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearFTAI ReturnFTAI CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2015 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2016-31.16%$6,884.34+1.29%$63,101.60-32.45% (SPY)SPY
2017+34.44%$9,255.04+13.59%$71,674.43+20.85% (FTAI)FTAI
2018+58.22%$14,643.48+20.78%$86,569.38+37.44% (FTAI)FTAI
2019-21.98%$11,424.43-5.25%$82,026.91-16.74% (SPY)SPY
2020+47.03%$16,796.97+31.09%$107,527.02+15.94% (FTAI)FTAI
2021+32.74%$22,296.34+17.24%$126,059.55+15.51% (FTAI)FTAI
2022+33.31%$29,722.48+30.51%$164,514.60+2.80% (FTAI)FTAI
2023-22.52%$23,030.20-18.65%$133,838.54-3.87% (SPY)SPY
2024+170.28%$62,246.64+26.71%$169,585.78+143.57% (FTAI)FTAI
2025+222.14%$200,524.43+25.59%$212,981.61+196.56% (FTAI)FTAI
2026+37.34%$275,396.30+17.66%$250,597.02+19.68% (FTAI)FTAI

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

Company Profiles

1

FTAI Aviation Ltd.

FTAI

FTAI Aviation Ltd. is a leading provider of mission-critical equipment and services to the aviation industry. The company acquires, maintains, and leases aircraft engines, airframes, and other aviation equipment. FTAI Aviation also develops and commercializes patented technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in aircraft. It serves a global customer base including airlines, cargo operators, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers.

Key Innovations

  • Focus on acquiring and optimizing a portfolio of mid-life aircraft engines and airframes, providing cost-effective solutions to operators.
  • Developing and commercializing proprietary technology aimed at improving the fuel efficiency and environmental performance of aircraft.

Business Segments

  • Aviation Leasing
    Acquires, owns, and leases aircraft engines and airframes to airlines and other aviation companies globally.
  • Power and Infrastructure (Pre-Spin-off)
    Prior to the spin-off of FTAI Infrastructure Inc., this segment included investments in a diversified portfolio of infrastructure assets related to transportation and energy.
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.