HON vs SPY: Honeywell International Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This HON vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Honeywell International 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 Honeywell International 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

18
HON Wins
0
Ties
15
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Honeywell International Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Honeywell International Inc. in 15 years.

HON - Honeywell International Inc.

Average Annual Return:+12.33%
Best Year:+64.40% (1991)
Worst Year:-43.79% (2008)
Win Rate:75.0% (30/40 years)
Total Value:$396,186.57
Total Gain:+$386,186.57 (+3861.87%)

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: HON with an average annual return of 12.33% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding HON vs SPY Performance

When comparing Honeywell International 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 Honeywell International Inc. grew to $396,187, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearHON ReturnHON CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987-10.88%$8,911.87---Tie
1988-27.34%$6,475.51---Tie
1989+12.15%$7,262.15---Tie
1990+9.99%$7,987.57---Tie
1991-19.29%$6,446.50---Tie
1992+64.40%$10,598.21---Tie
1993+46.70%$15,547.86---Tie
1994+33.07%$20,689.11+8.71%$10,870.91+24.36% (HON)HON
1995-11.24%$18,363.89+0.67%$10,943.47-11.91% (SPY)SPY
1996+42.31%$26,134.48+37.39%$15,035.16+4.93% (HON)HON
1997+38.05%$36,079.20+21.20%$18,223.19+16.85% (HON)HON
1998+17.01%$42,216.28+33.14%$24,261.81-16.13% (SPY)SPY
1999+13.82%$48,051.61+28.03%$31,063.11-14.21% (SPY)SPY
2000+34.05%$64,411.73+20.66%$37,482.18+13.38% (HON)HON
2001-15.16%$54,648.17-8.85%$34,165.23-6.31% (SPY)SPY
2002-21.99%$42,631.51-10.13%$30,703.75-11.86% (SPY)SPY
2003-26.38%$31,386.57-22.42%$23,820.14-3.96% (SPY)SPY
2004+37.71%$43,222.21+24.18%$29,580.86+13.52% (HON)HON
2005+8.56%$46,921.86+10.75%$32,760.13-2.19% (SPY)SPY
2006+7.88%$50,619.38+5.32%$34,504.59+2.56% (HON)HON
2007+23.44%$62,484.66+13.84%$39,281.03+9.60% (HON)HON
2008+39.07%$86,894.68+5.33%$41,375.53+33.73% (HON)HON
2009-43.79%$48,841.22-36.24%$26,382.38-7.56% (SPY)SPY
2010+17.21%$57,244.66+22.65%$32,359.23-5.45% (SPY)SPY
2011+35.48%$77,556.28+13.14%$36,610.39+22.34% (HON)HON
2012+2.86%$79,770.94+0.85%$36,922.44+2.00% (HON)HON
2013+17.22%$93,506.95+14.17%$42,154.69+3.05% (HON)HON
2014+44.12%$134,761.82+29.00%$54,380.19+15.12% (HON)HON
2015+12.85%$152,072.30+14.56%$62,298.86-1.72% (SPY)SPY
2016+5.47%$160,397.61+1.29%$63,101.60+4.19% (HON)HON
2017+16.06%$186,162.08+13.59%$71,674.43+2.48% (HON)HON
2018+34.72%$250,789.96+20.78%$86,569.38+13.93% (HON)HON
2019-8.48%$229,535.14-5.25%$82,026.91-3.23% (SPY)SPY
2020+37.00%$314,453.45+31.09%$107,527.02+5.91% (HON)HON
2021+20.39%$378,585.67+17.24%$126,059.55+3.16% (HON)HON
2022+1.98%$386,091.87+30.51%$164,514.60-28.52% (SPY)SPY
2023+5.77%$408,370.25-18.65%$133,838.54+24.42% (HON)HON
2024+0.02%$408,447.52+26.71%$169,585.78-26.69% (SPY)SPY
2025+10.39%$450,882.54+25.59%$212,981.61-15.20% (SPY)SPY
2026-12.13%$396,186.57+17.66%$250,597.02-29.79% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Honeywell International Inc.

HON

Honeywell International Inc. is a diversified technology and manufacturing company that invents and commercializes technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, security, productivity and global urbanization. The company's diverse portfolio includes aerospace products and services, control technologies for buildings and industry, performance materials, and safety and productivity solutions. Honeywell is committed to innovation, driving efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity across various sectors.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered many advancements in control systems, automation, and aerospace technologies, contributing to increased safety and efficiency across industries.
  • Invests in cutting-edge research and development in areas like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies to address future global challenges.

Business Segments

  • Aerospace
    Provides aircraft engines, avionics, auxiliary power units, and other products and services for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and military customers.
  • Building Technologies
    Offers products and solutions for commercial buildings, including building management systems, fire and security systems, and energy management solutions.
  • Performance Materials and Technologies
    Develops and manufactures high-performance products, including specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and process technology for the petrochemical and refining industries.
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.