CRM vs SPY: Salesforce, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

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

Compare Stock Performance

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Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically

Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2004 to 2025 (22 years)

Head-to-Head Record

11
CRM Wins
0
Ties
11
SPY Wins

Over the 22-year comparison period, Salesforce, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 11 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Salesforce, Inc. in 11 years.

CRM - Salesforce, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+28.22%
Best Year:+116.84% (2009)
Worst Year:-48.10% (2022)
Win Rate:72.7% (16/22 years)
Total Value:$545,276.04
Total Gain:+$535,276.04 (+5352.76%)

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: CRM with an average annual return of 28.22% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding CRM vs SPY Performance

When comparing Salesforce, 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 Salesforce, Inc. grew to $545,276, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearCRM ReturnCRM CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2004 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2005-1.51%$9,848.84+10.75%$32,760.13-12.26% (SPY)SPY
2006+93.07%$19,015.37+5.32%$34,504.59+87.75% (CRM)CRM
2007+6.45%$20,242.71+13.84%$39,281.03-7.39% (SPY)SPY
2008+73.80%$35,182.01+5.33%$41,375.53+68.47% (CRM)CRM
2009-46.90%$18,682.42-36.24%$26,382.38-10.66% (SPY)SPY
2010+116.84%$40,511.53+22.65%$32,359.23+94.19% (CRM)CRM
2011+76.42%$71,471.83+13.14%$36,610.39+63.29% (CRM)CRM
2012-25.72%$53,085.89+0.85%$36,922.44-26.58% (SPY)SPY
2013+66.11%$88,179.24+14.17%$42,154.69+51.94% (CRM)CRM
2014+28.97%$113,725.82+29.00%$54,380.19-0.03% (SPY)SPY
2015+8.11%$122,950.75+14.56%$62,298.86-6.45% (SPY)SPY
2016+32.34%$162,716.70+1.29%$63,101.60+31.05% (CRM)CRM
2017-10.75%$145,216.89+13.59%$71,674.43-24.34% (SPY)SPY
2018+44.92%$210,455.39+20.78%$86,569.38+24.14% (CRM)CRM
2019+31.18%$276,085.40-5.25%$82,026.91+36.43% (CRM)CRM
2020+19.99%$331,261.73+31.09%$107,527.02-11.10% (SPY)SPY
2021+33.26%$441,437.58+17.24%$126,059.55+16.02% (CRM)CRM
2022+15.35%$509,203.14+30.51%$164,514.60-15.15% (SPY)SPY
2023-48.10%$264,288.88-18.65%$133,838.54-29.45% (SPY)SPY
2024+95.24%$515,988.82+26.71%$169,585.78+68.53% (CRM)CRM
2025+31.26%$677,289.19+25.59%$212,981.61+5.67% (CRM)CRM
2026-19.49%$545,276.04+17.66%$250,597.02-37.15% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Salesforce, Inc.

CRM

Salesforce, Inc. is a global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology, providing a cloud-based platform that connects companies with their customers through data, artificial intelligence (AI), and CRM. The company offers a comprehensive suite of applications for sales, service, marketing, commerce, and IT teams.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model for enterprise software, revolutionizing how businesses acquire and use technology.
  • Developed the Customer 360 platform, providing a unified view of customer data across sales, service, marketing, and commerce.

Business Segments

  • Sales Cloud
    Helps sales teams manage contacts, track leads, monitor sales activity, and automate various sales processes.
  • Service Cloud
    Provides customer service and support solutions, including case management, self-service portals, and live chat.
  • Marketing Cloud
    Offers digital marketing automation and analytics tools for email marketing, social media marketing, and customer journeys.
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.