CCI vs SPY: Crown Castle Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This CCI vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Crown Castle 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 Crown Castle Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1998 to 2025 (28 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 28-year comparison period, Crown Castle Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 15 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Crown Castle Inc. in 13 years.
CCI - Crown Castle Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: CCI with an average annual return of 21.13% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding CCI vs SPY Performance
When comparing Crown Castle 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 Crown Castle Inc. grew to $145,605, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | CCI Return | CCI Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1999 | +80.77% | $18,076.92 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | +52.74% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2000 | +52.52% | $27,571.32 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | +31.86% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2001 | -11.36% | $24,438.86 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | -2.51% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2002 | -58.32% | $10,185.65 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | -48.19% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2003 | -64.85% | $3,580.02 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | -42.43% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2004 | +194.13% | $10,530.04 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +169.95% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2005 | +51.27% | $15,929.08 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +40.53% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2006 | +63.99% | $26,121.36 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +58.66% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2007 | +20.07% | $31,365.05 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +6.23% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2008 | +31.81% | $41,343.03 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +26.48% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2009 | -56.18% | $18,115.92 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -19.94% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +111.83% | $38,374.68 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +89.17% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2011 | +10.65% | $42,463.05 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | -2.48% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | +3.18% | $43,812.62 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | +2.33% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2013 | +60.64% | $70,381.12 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +46.47% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2014 | -2.22% | $68,816.05 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -31.23% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +12.63% | $77,508.90 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | -1.93% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2016 | +13.22% | $87,753.73 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +11.93% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2017 | +5.81% | $92,854.02 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | -7.77% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2018 | +32.92% | $123,421.69 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +12.14% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2019 | +3.70% | $127,982.71 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +8.94% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2020 | +38.88% | $177,738.67 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | +7.79% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2021 | +15.87% | $205,954.48 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -1.36% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +38.73% | $285,722.01 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +8.23% (CCI) | CCI |
| 2023 | -32.25% | $193,584.64 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -13.60% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | -11.97% | $170,404.32 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | -38.68% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | -17.42% | $140,722.90 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -43.01% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | +3.47% | $145,605.21 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | -14.19% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means CCI outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Crown Castle Inc.
CCI
Crown Castle Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure in the United States. The company owns, operates, and leases an extensive portfolio of cell towers, small cells, and fiber optic networks, which are crucial for wireless service providers.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the business model of owning and operating shared communications infrastructure, enabling wireless carriers to expand their networks efficiently.
- ✓Significant investments in small cell and fiber optic networks to support the growing demand for wireless data.
Business Segments
- TowersOwns and operates shared wireless infrastructure, primarily cell towers, for wireless carriers.
- Small CellsProvides distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell solutions for enhanced wireless coverage and capacity.
- FiberOffers fiber optic networks supporting small cells and providing high-speed connectivity.
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
- ETFPassive 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.