SPY vs WING: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Wingstop Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

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

Compare Stock Performance

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

Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically

Performance Summary

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

Head-to-Head Record

3
SPY Wins
0
Ties
8
WING Wins

Over the 11-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Wingstop Inc. in 3 years, while Wingstop Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 8 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%)

WING - Wingstop Inc.

Average Annual Return:+31.38%
Best Year:+93.13% (2023)
Worst Year:-25.43% (2015)
Win Rate:72.7% (8/11 years)
Total Value:$120,316.16
Total Gain:+$110,316.16 (+1103.16%)

Overall Winner: WING with an average annual return of 31.38% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs WING Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Wingstop Inc., 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 $120,316 for Wingstop Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeWING ReturnWING CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91---Tie
1995+0.67%$10,943.47---Tie
1996+37.39%$15,035.16---Tie
1997+21.20%$18,223.19---Tie
1998+33.14%$24,261.81---Tie
1999+28.03%$31,063.11---Tie
2000+20.66%$37,482.18---Tie
2001-8.85%$34,165.23---Tie
2002-10.13%$30,703.75---Tie
2003-22.42%$23,820.14---Tie
2004+24.18%$29,580.86---Tie
2005+10.75%$32,760.13---Tie
2006+5.32%$34,504.59---Tie
2007+13.84%$39,281.03---Tie
2008+5.33%$41,375.53---Tie
2009-36.24%$26,382.38---Tie
2010+22.65%$32,359.23---Tie
2011+13.14%$36,610.39---Tie
2012+0.85%$36,922.44---Tie
2013+14.17%$42,154.69---Tie
2014+29.00%$54,380.19---Tie
2015+14.56%$62,298.86---Tie
2016+1.29%$63,101.60-25.43%$7,456.69+26.72% (SPY)SPY
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+45.44%$10,844.65-31.85% (WING)WING
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+32.30%$14,347.63-11.52% (WING)WING
2019-5.25%$82,026.91+84.76%$26,507.97-90.00% (WING)WING
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+40.64%$37,280.56-9.55% (WING)WING
2021+17.24%$126,059.55+63.22%$60,850.10-45.99% (WING)WING
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+33.10%$80,992.87-2.60% (WING)WING
2023-18.65%$133,838.54-16.82%$67,368.38-1.82% (WING)WING
2024+26.71%$169,585.78+93.13%$130,105.31-66.42% (WING)WING
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+12.90%$146,895.23+12.68% (SPY)SPY
2026+17.66%$250,597.02-18.09%$120,316.16+35.76% (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 WING 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

Wingstop Inc.

WING

Wingstop is a global restaurant brand that specializes in high-quality chicken wings, fries, and sides. It operates a predominantly franchised model with over 2,000 locations worldwide.

Key Innovations

  • Wing-focused niche retail
  • Digital ordering leadership

Business Segments

  • Franchise
    Royalties and fees from franchised restaurants.
  • Company
    Sales from company-owned restaurants.

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.