SPY vs SYY: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Sysco Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SPY vs SYY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Sysco Corporation 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 SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Sysco Corporation have historically performed against each other.

Compare Stock Performance

Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1993 to 2025 (33 years)

Head-to-Head Record

19
SPY Wins
0
Ties
14
SYY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Sysco Corporation in 19 years, while Sysco Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 14 years.

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%)

SYY - Sysco Corporation

Average Annual Return:+14.66%
Best Year:+70.60% (1989)
Worst Year:-22.01% (2008)
Win Rate:75.0% (30/40 years)
Total Value:$1,264,008.81
Total Gain:+$1,254,008.81 (+12540.09%)

Overall Winner: SYY with an average annual return of 14.66% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs SYY Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Sysco Corporation, 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 SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust grew to $250,597, compared to $1,264,009 for Sysco Corporation over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeSYY ReturnSYY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91+13.19%$54,438.21-4.48% (SYY)SYY
1995+0.67%$10,943.47-10.65%$48,642.10+11.31% (SPY)SPY
1996+37.39%$15,035.16+26.96%$61,757.33+10.43% (SPY)SPY
1997+21.20%$18,223.19+3.62%$63,991.94+17.59% (SPY)SPY
1998+33.14%$24,261.81+42.52%$91,200.00-9.38% (SYY)SYY
1999+28.03%$31,063.11+24.57%$113,611.26+3.46% (SPY)SPY
2000+20.66%$37,482.18+43.00%$162,466.75-22.34% (SYY)SYY
2001-8.85%$34,165.23+59.26%$258,740.49-68.11% (SYY)SYY
2002-10.13%$30,703.75-8.65%$236,350.78-1.48% (SYY)SYY
2003-22.42%$23,820.14+13.74%$268,819.01-36.16% (SYY)SYY
2004+24.18%$29,580.86+23.64%$332,368.25+0.54% (SPY)SPY
2005+10.75%$32,760.13+4.56%$347,522.12+6.19% (SPY)SPY
2006+5.32%$34,504.59-15.23%$294,604.78+20.55% (SPY)SPY
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+20.82%$355,928.98-6.97% (SYY)SYY
2008+5.33%$41,375.53-12.03%$313,107.60+17.36% (SPY)SPY
2009-36.24%$26,382.38-22.01%$244,187.65-14.23% (SYY)SYY
2010+22.65%$32,359.23+21.40%$296,439.80+1.26% (SPY)SPY
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+7.33%$318,179.68+5.80% (SPY)SPY
2012+0.85%$36,922.44+4.18%$331,470.17-3.32% (SYY)SYY
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+11.43%$369,353.65+2.74% (SPY)SPY
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+16.96%$431,994.44+12.04% (SPY)SPY
2015+14.56%$62,298.86+13.96%$492,319.44+0.60% (SPY)SPY
2016+1.29%$63,101.60+5.35%$518,639.34-4.06% (SYY)SYY
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+40.09%$726,566.50-26.51% (SYY)SYY
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+13.22%$822,641.73+7.56% (SPY)SPY
2019-5.25%$82,026.91+5.88%$871,042.99-11.13% (SYY)SYY
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+41.01%$1,228,282.99-9.93% (SYY)SYY
2021+17.24%$126,059.55-9.94%$1,106,141.62+27.18% (SPY)SPY
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+11.21%$1,230,137.58+19.30% (SPY)SPY
2023-18.65%$133,838.54-0.83%$1,219,910.40-17.82% (SYY)SYY
2024+26.71%$169,585.78-1.11%$1,206,379.94+27.82% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+5.55%$1,273,360.45+20.04% (SPY)SPY
2026+17.66%$250,597.02-0.73%$1,264,008.81+18.40% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

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.
2

Sysco Corporation

SYY

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home.

Key Innovations

  • Logistics optimization for perishables

Business Segments

  • U.S. Foodservice
    Distribution to US customers.
  • International Foodservice
    Operations in Canada, Europe, Mexico, Bahamas.
  • SYGMA
    Distribution to certain chain restaurant customers.

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.