KHC vs SPY: The Kraft Heinz Company vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This KHC vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of The Kraft Heinz Company 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 The Kraft Heinz Company 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

3
KHC Wins
0
Ties
8
SPY Wins

Over the 11-year comparison period, The Kraft Heinz Company outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 3 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed The Kraft Heinz Company in 8 years.

KHC - The Kraft Heinz Company

Average Annual Return:-3.87%
Best Year:+23.54% (2016)
Worst Year:-41.69% (2018)
Win Rate:45.5% (5/11 years)
Total Value:$5,137.67
Total Gain:$-4,862.33 (-48.62%)

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: SPY with an average annual return of 11.71% (vs -3.87% for KHC)

Understanding KHC vs SPY Performance

When comparing The Kraft Heinz Company 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 The Kraft Heinz Company grew to $5,138, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearKHC ReturnKHC CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2015 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2016+2.07%$10,206.60+1.29%$63,101.60+0.78% (KHC)KHC
2017+23.54%$12,609.37+13.59%$71,674.43+9.96% (KHC)KHC
2018-8.59%$11,526.13+20.78%$86,569.38-29.37% (SPY)SPY
2019-41.69%$6,720.51-5.25%$82,026.91-36.45% (SPY)SPY
2020-21.75%$5,258.98+31.09%$107,527.02-52.83% (SPY)SPY
2021+15.65%$6,082.17+17.24%$126,059.55-1.58% (SPY)SPY
2022+9.34%$6,650.10+30.51%$164,514.60-21.17% (SPY)SPY
2023+17.39%$7,806.62-18.65%$133,838.54+36.04% (KHC)KHC
2024-5.21%$7,400.23+26.71%$169,585.78-31.91% (SPY)SPY
2025-15.56%$6,248.62+25.59%$212,981.61-41.15% (SPY)SPY
2026-17.78%$5,137.67+17.66%$250,597.02-35.44% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

The Kraft Heinz Company

KHC

The Kraft Heinz Company is an American multinational food company, and the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest globally. It boasts a portfolio of over 200 brands across categories such as condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, and coffee. Its products are sold in over 190 countries and territories.

Key Innovations

  • Formation through the strategic merger of two iconic food companies, Kraft Foods Group, Inc. and H.J. Heinz Company, creating a global food and beverage giant with significant market presence.
  • Cultivation and management of an extensive portfolio of over 200 well-known brands, effectively catering to diverse consumer preferences across various food and beverage categories.
  • Strategic focus on streamlining operations and concentrating on core, high-margin segments, as indicated by the planned future split into two independent companies to unlock specialized growth opportunities.

Business Segments

  • North America
    Operations focused on the United States and Canada, encompassing a wide range of food and beverage products.
  • International
    Business operations across various global markets outside North America, distributing diverse food and beverage brands.
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.