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

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

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2011 to 2025 (15 years)

Head-to-Head Record

7
HCA Wins
0
Ties
8
SPY Wins

Over the 15-year comparison period, HCA Healthcare Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 7 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed HCA Healthcare Inc. in 8 years.

HCA - HCA Healthcare Inc.

Average Annual Return:+25.44%
Best Year:+73.96% (2012)
Worst Year:-28.98% (2011)
Win Rate:80.0% (12/15 years)
Total Value:$198,707.05
Total Gain:+$188,707.05 (+1887.07%)

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: HCA with an average annual return of 25.44% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding HCA vs SPY Performance

When comparing HCA Healthcare 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 HCA Healthcare Inc. grew to $198,707, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearHCA ReturnHCA CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2011 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2012-28.98%$7,101.87+0.85%$36,922.44-29.83% (SPY)SPY
2013+73.96%$12,354.52+14.17%$42,154.69+59.79% (HCA)HCA
2014+52.43%$18,831.76+29.00%$54,380.19+23.43% (HCA)HCA
2015+53.63%$28,931.61+14.56%$62,298.86+39.07% (HCA)HCA
2016-8.57%$26,451.87+1.29%$63,101.60-9.86% (SPY)SPY
2017+11.66%$29,536.40+13.59%$71,674.43-1.92% (SPY)SPY
2018+17.97%$34,843.90+20.78%$86,569.38-2.81% (SPY)SPY
2019+40.70%$49,024.02-5.25%$82,026.91+45.94% (HCA)HCA
2020+22.90%$60,251.13+31.09%$107,527.02-8.19% (SPY)SPY
2021+12.13%$67,558.69+17.24%$126,059.55-5.11% (SPY)SPY
2022+58.37%$106,993.63+30.51%$164,514.60+27.87% (HCA)HCA
2023-4.59%$102,085.93-18.65%$133,838.54+14.06% (HCA)HCA
2024+12.31%$114,656.46+26.71%$169,585.78-14.40% (SPY)SPY
2025+9.87%$125,973.36+25.59%$212,981.61-15.72% (SPY)SPY
2026+57.74%$198,707.05+17.66%$250,597.02+40.08% (HCA)HCA

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

Company Profiles

1

HCA Healthcare Inc.

HCA

HCA Healthcare Inc. is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, comprising 180 hospitals and approximately 2,300 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. The company is committed to the care and improvement of human life, providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare services across a broad spectrum of medical specialties.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the concept of hospital systems, consolidating healthcare facilities to improve efficiency, quality of care, and access to services.
  • Invests in advanced medical technologies, electronic health records, and data analytics to enhance clinical outcomes, patient safety, and operational effectiveness.

Business Segments

  • Hospitals
    Operates general and acute care hospitals, offering a wide range of medical services, including surgery, emergency care, intensive care, and specialized treatments.
  • Ambulatory and Other
    Includes freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers, physician clinics, and other outpatient facilities.
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.