ILMN vs SPY: Illumina, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This ILMN vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Illumina, 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 Illumina, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2000 to 2025 (26 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 26-year comparison period, Illumina, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 13 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Illumina, Inc. in 13 years.
ILMN - Illumina, Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: ILMN with an average annual return of 22.83% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding ILMN vs SPY Performance
When comparing Illumina, 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 Illumina, Inc. grew to $77,264, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | ILMN Return | ILMN Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2001 | -58.99% | $4,100.52 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | -50.15% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2002 | -22.89% | $3,162.10 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | -12.75% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2003 | -70.04% | $947.23 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | -47.62% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2004 | +114.94% | $2,035.96 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +90.75% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2005 | +34.09% | $2,729.97 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +23.34% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2006 | +52.10% | $4,152.38 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +46.78% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2007 | +165.43% | $11,021.61 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +151.59% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2008 | +54.28% | $17,004.44 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +48.95% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2009 | -12.53% | $14,874.60 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | +23.71% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2010 | +14.26% | $16,996.38 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | -8.39% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2011 | +107.33% | $35,238.98 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +94.19% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2012 | -52.63% | $16,693.88 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -53.48% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | +75.20% | $29,247.17 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +61.03% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2014 | +99.55% | $58,362.40 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | +70.55% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2015 | +67.28% | $97,630.34 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +52.72% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2016 | +3.52% | $101,068.63 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +2.23% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2017 | -29.37% | $71,385.85 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | -42.95% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2018 | +66.62% | $118,943.76 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +45.84% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2019 | +33.88% | $159,241.19 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +39.13% (ILMN) | ILMN |
| 2020 | +12.64% | $179,365.32 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -18.45% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +13.15% | $202,951.58 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -4.09% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +3.45% | $209,949.15 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | -27.06% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | -46.91% | $111,459.87 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -28.26% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | -30.68% | $77,262.27 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | -57.39% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | -0.17% | $77,128.44 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -25.76% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | +0.18% | $77,263.94 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -17.49% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means ILMN outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Illumina, Inc.
ILMN
Illumina, Inc. is an American biotechnology company that specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. It operates primarily in the life sciences tools and services sector, focusing on genomic sequencing and array-based solutions that are utilized by a wide range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical institutions globally.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneering and continuously advancing DNA Sequencing Platforms (e.g., NovaSeq, HiSeq, MiSeq, MiniSeq, iSeq, NextSeq) utilizing sophisticated technologies like bridge amplification and reversible terminators.
- ✓Introduction of the NovaSeq X Plus in September 2022, a high-throughput sequencing system capable of sequencing up to 20,000 genomes per year.
- ✓Development of a comprehensive bioinformatics suite and software solutions that facilitate the analysis and interpretation of vast amounts of genetic data.
- ✓Maintaining a dominant position in the genomics market, driven by its next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.
Business Segments
- Genomic SequencingProvides DNA sequencing platforms and consumables for various applications, including whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and RNA sequencing.
- Microarray SolutionsOffers microarrays for SNP genotyping, gene expression, and protein analysis, providing a cost-effective way to analyze genetic markers.
- Kits and ReagentsDevelops and supplies a comprehensive range of kits and reagents, including library preparation kits, for diverse DNA and RNA inquiries.
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.