BIO vs SPY: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This BIO vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Bio-Rad Laboratories, 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 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

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

Head-to-Head Record

18
BIO Wins
0
Ties
15
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. in 15 years.

BIO - Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+15.75%
Best Year:+164.29% (1994)
Worst Year:-42.82% (2022)
Win Rate:65.0% (26/40 years)
Total Value:$606,050.01
Total Gain:+$596,050.01 (+5960.50%)

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: BIO with an average annual return of 15.75% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding BIO vs SPY Performance

When comparing Bio-Rad Laboratories, 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 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. grew to $606,050, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearBIO ReturnBIO CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+13.74%$11,373.63---Tie
1988-13.48%$9,841.01---Tie
1989+7.94%$10,622.04---Tie
1990-6.57%$9,924.24---Tie
1991+13.85%$11,298.37---Tie
1992+8.22%$12,227.00---Tie
1993-11.04%$10,877.27---Tie
1994-41.61%$6,351.69+8.71%$10,870.91-50.31% (SPY)SPY
1995+164.29%$16,786.61+0.67%$10,943.47+163.62% (BIO)BIO
1996+55.25%$26,061.40+37.39%$15,035.16+17.86% (BIO)BIO
1997+5.57%$27,513.50+21.20%$18,223.19-15.63% (SPY)SPY
1998-13.99%$23,663.87+33.14%$24,261.81-47.13% (SPY)SPY
1999-19.62%$19,021.68+28.03%$31,063.11-47.65% (SPY)SPY
2000+13.33%$21,557.90+20.66%$37,482.18-7.33% (SPY)SPY
2001+40.55%$30,300.17-8.85%$34,165.23+49.40% (BIO)BIO
2002+97.20%$59,750.80-10.13%$30,703.75+107.33% (BIO)BIO
2003+25.24%$74,833.53-22.42%$23,820.14+47.66% (BIO)BIO
2004+50.93%$112,945.55+24.18%$29,580.86+26.74% (BIO)BIO
2005-1.78%$110,934.54+10.75%$32,760.13-12.53% (SPY)SPY
2006+14.47%$126,981.92+5.32%$34,504.59+9.14% (BIO)BIO
2007+26.08%$160,100.05+13.84%$39,281.03+12.24% (BIO)BIO
2008+26.03%$201,770.46+5.33%$41,375.53+20.70% (BIO)BIO
2009-24.67%$151,998.93-36.24%$26,382.38+11.57% (BIO)BIO
2010+29.53%$196,882.19+22.65%$32,359.23+6.87% (BIO)BIO
2011+6.11%$208,911.97+13.14%$36,610.39-7.03% (SPY)SPY
2012-8.81%$190,504.23+0.85%$36,922.44-9.66% (SPY)SPY
2013+7.11%$204,042.31+14.17%$42,154.69-7.06% (SPY)SPY
2014+15.03%$234,707.52+29.00%$54,380.19-13.97% (SPY)SPY
2015-1.70%$230,708.01+14.56%$62,298.86-16.27% (SPY)SPY
2016+15.21%$265,807.84+1.29%$63,101.60+13.93% (BIO)BIO
2017+33.84%$355,763.66+13.59%$71,674.43+20.26% (BIO)BIO
2018+30.48%$464,217.98+20.78%$86,569.38+9.70% (BIO)BIO
2019-3.81%$446,527.63-5.25%$82,026.91+1.44% (BIO)BIO
2020+62.24%$724,432.73+31.09%$107,527.02+31.15% (BIO)BIO
2021+56.64%$1,134,729.18+17.24%$126,059.55+39.40% (BIO)BIO
2022+31.34%$1,490,399.68+30.51%$164,514.60+0.84% (BIO)BIO
2023-42.82%$852,163.61-18.65%$133,838.54-24.18% (SPY)SPY
2024-23.56%$651,362.65+26.71%$169,585.78-50.27% (SPY)SPY
2025+0.16%$652,395.37+25.59%$212,981.61-25.43% (SPY)SPY
2026-7.10%$606,050.01+17.66%$250,597.02-24.77% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

BIO

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of specialized technological products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. The company provides a broad range of products, including instruments, software, consumables, and reagents, used to advance scientific discovery and improve healthcare.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the development of Bio-Gel P gel chromatography for protein separation.
  • Introduced the first commercially available T4 thyroid function test.
  • Developed Droplet Digital PCR technology, which allows for precise and sensitive quantification of nucleic acids.

Business Segments

  • Life Science
    Develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of reagents, apparatus, and equipment for use in biological research and discovery.
  • Clinical Diagnostics
    Develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of products for clinical diagnostics, including instruments, software, and reagents for disease screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.
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.