SNA vs SPY: Snap-on Incorporated vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SNA vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Snap-on Incorporated 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 Snap-on Incorporated and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

Compare Stock Performance

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)

Head-to-Head Record

17
SNA Wins
0
Ties
16
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Snap-on Incorporated outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 17 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Snap-on Incorporated in 16 years.

SNA - Snap-on Incorporated

Average Annual Return:+12.25%
Best Year:+57.47% (2012)
Worst Year:-21.99% (1999)
Win Rate:75.0% (30/40 years)
Total Value:$604,605.08
Total Gain:+$594,605.08 (+5946.05%)

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: SNA with an average annual return of 12.25% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SNA vs SPY Performance

When comparing Snap-on Incorporated 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 Snap-on Incorporated grew to $604,605, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSNA ReturnSNA CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+24.86%$12,485.77---Tie
1988+35.12%$16,871.01---Tie
1989+2.44%$17,282.04---Tie
1990-2.30%$16,885.38---Tie
1991-0.54%$16,793.58---Tie
1992+5.09%$17,648.42---Tie
1993-3.19%$17,086.24---Tie
1994+22.78%$20,978.73+8.71%$10,870.91+14.07% (SNA)SNA
1995-9.25%$19,038.69+0.67%$10,943.47-9.92% (SPY)SPY
1996+37.92%$26,257.62+37.39%$15,035.16+0.53% (SNA)SNA
1997+19.01%$31,248.45+21.20%$18,223.19-2.20% (SPY)SPY
1998+26.29%$39,464.96+33.14%$24,261.81-6.84% (SPY)SPY
1999-15.91%$33,184.18+28.03%$31,063.11-43.95% (SPY)SPY
2000-21.99%$25,885.68+20.66%$37,482.18-42.66% (SPY)SPY
2001+7.49%$27,823.54-8.85%$34,165.23+16.34% (SNA)SNA
2002+27.15%$35,378.99-10.13%$30,703.75+37.29% (SNA)SNA
2003-13.25%$30,689.81-22.42%$23,820.14+9.17% (SNA)SNA
2004+15.89%$35,566.61+24.18%$29,580.86-8.29% (SPY)SPY
2005+11.52%$39,664.09+10.75%$32,760.13+0.77% (SNA)SNA
2006+12.82%$44,748.69+5.32%$34,504.59+7.49% (SNA)SNA
2007+26.87%$56,774.47+13.84%$39,281.03+13.03% (SNA)SNA
2008+3.10%$58,537.25+5.33%$41,375.53-2.23% (SPY)SPY
2009-13.94%$50,378.86-36.24%$26,382.38+22.30% (SNA)SNA
2010+6.71%$53,757.50+22.65%$32,359.23-15.95% (SPY)SPY
2011+35.61%$72,902.08+13.14%$36,610.39+22.48% (SNA)SNA
2012-10.63%$65,154.23+0.85%$36,922.44-11.48% (SPY)SPY
2013+57.47%$102,601.57+14.17%$42,154.69+43.30% (SNA)SNA
2014+37.79%$141,376.36+29.00%$54,380.19+8.79% (SNA)SNA
2015+27.92%$180,843.25+14.56%$62,298.86+13.35% (SNA)SNA
2016+27.53%$230,638.17+1.29%$63,101.60+26.25% (SNA)SNA
2017+3.28%$238,195.89+13.59%$71,674.43-10.31% (SPY)SPY
2018+3.72%$247,045.00+20.78%$86,569.38-17.07% (SPY)SPY
2019-16.11%$207,243.18-5.25%$82,026.91-10.86% (SPY)SPY
2020+17.78%$244,084.35+31.09%$107,527.02-13.31% (SPY)SPY
2021+4.28%$254,521.48+17.24%$126,059.55-12.96% (SPY)SPY
2022+32.09%$336,197.46+30.51%$164,514.60+1.58% (SNA)SNA
2023+9.96%$369,695.61-18.65%$133,838.54+28.61% (SNA)SNA
2024+29.20%$477,650.40+26.71%$169,585.78+2.49% (SNA)SNA
2025+20.72%$576,598.80+25.59%$212,981.61-4.87% (SPY)SPY
2026+4.86%$604,605.08+17.66%$250,597.02-12.80% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Snap-on Incorporated

SNA

Snap-on is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks.

Key Innovations

  • Interchangeable socket wrench (original invention)
  • Intelligent diagnostics

Business Segments

  • Snap-on Tools Group
    Tools sold via mobile van channel.
  • Repair Systems & Information
    Diagnostics and repair software.
  • Commercial & Industrial
    Tools for aerospace, energy, and industrial markets.
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.