NTAP vs SPY: NetApp, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This NTAP vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of NetApp, 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 NetApp, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1995 to 2025 (31 years)

Head-to-Head Record

17
NTAP Wins
0
Ties
14
SPY Wins

Over the 31-year comparison period, NetApp, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 17 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed NetApp, Inc. in 14 years.

NTAP - NetApp, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+32.56%
Best Year:+269.17% (1999)
Worst Year:-57.95% (2002)
Win Rate:67.7% (21/31 years)
Total Value:$1,264,199.93
Total Gain:+$1,254,199.93 (+12542.00%)

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: NTAP with an average annual return of 32.56% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding NTAP vs SPY Performance

When comparing NetApp, 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 NetApp, Inc. grew to $1,264,200, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearNTAP ReturnNTAP CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1995 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1996+95.73%$19,573.18+37.39%$15,035.16+58.34% (NTAP)NTAP
1997+33.88%$26,204.88+21.20%$18,223.19+12.68% (NTAP)NTAP
1998+47.15%$38,560.55+33.14%$24,261.81+14.01% (NTAP)NTAP
1999+180.27%$108,074.99+28.03%$31,063.11+152.24% (NTAP)NTAP
2000+269.17%$398,976.92+20.66%$37,482.18+248.50% (NTAP)NTAP
2001+51.03%$602,572.45-8.85%$34,165.23+59.88% (NTAP)NTAP
2002-57.48%$256,199.53-10.13%$30,703.75-47.35% (SPY)SPY
2003-57.95%$107,737.36-22.42%$23,820.14-35.53% (SPY)SPY
2004+91.03%$205,808.64+24.18%$29,580.86+66.84% (NTAP)NTAP
2005+60.25%$329,810.30+10.75%$32,760.13+49.50% (NTAP)NTAP
2006-17.43%$272,320.42+5.32%$34,504.59-22.76% (SPY)SPY
2007+40.74%$383,258.63+13.84%$39,281.03+26.90% (NTAP)NTAP
2008-37.52%$239,452.69+5.33%$41,375.53-42.85% (SPY)SPY
2009-43.26%$135,871.43-36.24%$26,382.38-7.02% (SPY)SPY
2010+132.63%$316,082.83+22.65%$32,359.23+109.98% (NTAP)NTAP
2011+60.75%$508,099.14+13.14%$36,610.39+47.61% (NTAP)NTAP
2012-36.82%$321,002.50+0.85%$36,922.44-37.68% (SPY)SPY
2013-8.78%$292,812.26+14.17%$42,154.69-22.95% (SPY)SPY
2014+20.86%$353,889.23+29.00%$54,380.19-8.14% (SPY)SPY
2015+4.25%$368,936.05+14.56%$62,298.86-10.31% (SPY)SPY
2016-34.70%$240,911.36+1.29%$63,101.60-35.99% (SPY)SPY
2017+39.24%$335,436.75+13.59%$71,674.43+25.65% (NTAP)NTAP
2018+58.60%$531,987.88+20.78%$86,569.38+37.81% (NTAP)NTAP
2019+9.18%$580,799.43-5.25%$82,026.91+14.42% (NTAP)NTAP
2020+6.24%$617,035.36+31.09%$107,527.02-24.85% (SPY)SPY
2021+9.17%$673,612.92+17.24%$126,059.55-8.07% (SPY)SPY
2022+45.50%$980,110.82+30.51%$164,514.60+15.00% (NTAP)NTAP
2023-33.21%$654,638.11-18.65%$133,838.54-14.56% (SPY)SPY
2024+49.33%$977,595.74+26.71%$169,585.78+22.62% (NTAP)NTAP
2025+37.20%$1,341,244.34+25.59%$212,981.61+11.61% (NTAP)NTAP
2026-5.74%$1,264,199.93+17.66%$250,597.02-23.41% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

NetApp, Inc.

NTAP

NetApp is a cloud-led, data-centric software company. It provides hybrid cloud data services and data management to accelerate digital transformation.

Key Innovations

  • ONTAP data management software
  • FlexPod converged infrastructure

Business Segments

  • Hybrid Cloud
    Enterprise storage and data management solutions.
  • Public Cloud
    Cloud storage services and cloud operations (CloudOps).
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.