GIS vs SPY: General Mills Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This GIS vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of General Mills 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 General Mills Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 33-year comparison period, General Mills Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 10 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed General Mills Inc. in 23 years.
GIS - General Mills Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: GIS with an average annual return of 12.10% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding GIS vs SPY Performance
When comparing General Mills 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 General Mills Inc. grew to $530,402, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | GIS Return | GIS Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | +47.22% | $14,722.19 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | +15.14% | $16,951.12 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | +6.40% | $18,035.69 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | +46.40% | $26,403.95 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | +38.27% | $36,509.37 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +59.79% | $58,340.00 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | -6.21% | $54,715.59 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | -9.14% | $49,714.41 | +8.71% | $10,870.91 | -17.85% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1995 | -4.59% | $47,434.20 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | -5.25% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1996 | +26.77% | $60,131.72 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | -10.62% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1997 | +11.91% | $67,293.79 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | -9.29% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1998 | +17.61% | $79,145.88 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | -15.52% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1999 | +10.76% | $87,661.18 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | -17.27% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2000 | -6.58% | $81,894.24 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | -27.24% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2001 | +33.41% | $109,253.63 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | +42.26% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2002 | +21.29% | $132,515.44 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | +31.42% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2003 | -5.64% | $125,040.86 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | +16.78% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2004 | -2.66% | $121,718.49 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | -26.84% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2005 | +13.31% | $137,914.53 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +2.56% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2006 | +2.88% | $141,890.54 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | -2.44% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2007 | +19.31% | $169,286.60 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +5.46% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2008 | +1.90% | $172,495.07 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | -3.44% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2009 | +10.38% | $190,402.65 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | +46.62% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2010 | +21.00% | $230,394.93 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | -1.65% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2011 | +3.37% | $238,166.80 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | -9.76% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | +17.49% | $279,823.58 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | +16.64% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2013 | +3.55% | $289,765.56 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | -10.62% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2014 | +24.53% | $360,840.20 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -4.47% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +11.41% | $402,012.67 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | -3.15% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2016 | +12.01% | $450,279.15 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +10.72% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2017 | +10.69% | $498,428.27 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | -2.89% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2018 | -1.16% | $492,632.07 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | -21.94% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2019 | -31.28% | $338,534.72 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | -26.03% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2020 | +45.03% | $490,968.49 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | +13.94% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2021 | +16.71% | $573,021.51 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -0.52% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +18.06% | $676,533.38 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | -12.44% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | +28.32% | $868,133.45 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | +46.97% (GIS) | GIS |
| 2024 | -19.36% | $700,066.93 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | -46.07% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | -1.00% | $693,059.11 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -26.59% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | -23.47% | $530,401.63 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -41.13% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means GIS outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
General Mills Inc.
GIS
General Mills Inc. is a leading global food company that manufactures and markets branded consumer foods worldwide. Its portfolio of well-known brands includes Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, and many others. General Mills operates in retail channels, foodservice, and through its organic and natural foods business. The company is committed to making food with passion, providing nourishing and delicious products that meet the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered many iconic food brands that have become staples in households worldwide, constantly innovating to meet consumer demands for taste, convenience, and health.
- ✓Actively investing in sustainable sourcing, production, and packaging to reduce its environmental footprint and promote responsible business practices.
Business Segments
- North America RetailIncludes sales of branded food products to retail customers in the United States and Canada.
- InternationalComprises sales of branded food products to retail and foodservice customers outside of North America.
- Pet FoodManufactures and markets premium pet food products under brands like Blue Buffalo.
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.