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

This SPY vs TRMB comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Trimble 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 Trimble 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

15
SPY Wins
0
Ties
18
TRMB Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Trimble Inc. in 15 years, while Trimble Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 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%)

TRMB - Trimble Inc.

Average Annual Return:+21.62%
Best Year:+184.49% (2003)
Worst Year:-66.67% (1998)
Win Rate:66.7% (24/36 years)
Total Value:$401,720.25
Total Gain:+$391,720.25 (+3917.20%)

Overall Winner: TRMB with an average annual return of 21.62% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs TRMB Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Trimble 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 $401,720 for Trimble Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeTRMB ReturnTRMB CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91+7.58%$9,084.62+1.13% (SPY)SPY
1995+0.67%$10,943.47+85.92%$16,889.72-85.25% (TRMB)TRMB
1996+37.39%$15,035.16+16.41%$19,660.69+20.98% (SPY)SPY
1997+21.20%$18,223.19-39.47%$11,899.89+60.68% (SPY)SPY
1998+33.14%$24,261.81+91.76%$22,819.03-58.62% (TRMB)TRMB
1999+28.03%$31,063.11-66.67%$7,606.34+94.70% (SPY)SPY
2000+20.66%$37,482.18+183.61%$21,572.09-162.94% (TRMB)TRMB
2001-8.85%$34,165.23-3.52%$20,813.27-5.33% (TRMB)TRMB
2002-10.13%$30,703.75-29.52%$14,668.83+19.39% (SPY)SPY
2003-22.42%$23,820.14-22.85%$11,316.48+0.43% (SPY)SPY
2004+24.18%$29,580.86+184.49%$32,194.47-160.31% (TRMB)TRMB
2005+10.75%$32,760.13+34.97%$43,452.01-24.22% (TRMB)TRMB
2006+5.32%$34,504.59+9.77%$47,699.10-4.45% (TRMB)TRMB
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+40.68%$67,104.14-26.84% (TRMB)TRMB
2008+5.33%$41,375.53+17.28%$78,698.05-11.95% (TRMB)TRMB
2009-36.24%$26,382.38-27.21%$57,280.73-9.02% (TRMB)TRMB
2010+22.65%$32,359.23+13.00%$64,729.80+9.65% (SPY)SPY
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+55.67%$100,766.50-42.54% (TRMB)TRMB
2012+0.85%$36,922.44+6.79%$107,609.90-5.94% (TRMB)TRMB
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+43.60%$154,526.06-29.43% (TRMB)TRMB
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+12.81%$174,319.06+16.19% (SPY)SPY
2015+14.56%$62,298.86-22.94%$134,332.99+37.50% (SPY)SPY
2016+1.29%$63,101.60-20.29%$107,077.03+21.58% (SPY)SPY
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+39.65%$149,530.91-26.06% (TRMB)TRMB
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+34.26%$200,757.71-13.48% (TRMB)TRMB
2019-5.25%$82,026.91-19.85%$160,909.30+14.60% (SPY)SPY
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+28.40%$206,600.20+2.69% (SPY)SPY
2021+17.24%$126,059.55+59.20%$328,914.99-41.97% (TRMB)TRMB
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+31.53%$432,615.76-1.02% (TRMB)TRMB
2023-18.65%$133,838.54-41.67%$252,342.56+23.02% (SPY)SPY
2024+26.71%$169,585.78+5.14%$265,308.79+21.57% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+34.72%$357,420.78-9.13% (TRMB)TRMB
2026+17.66%$250,597.02+12.39%$401,720.25+5.27% (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 TRMB 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

Trimble Inc.

TRMB

Trimble is a leading provider of advanced location-based solutions that maximize productivity and enhance profitability. It serves industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial, and transportation.

Key Innovations

  • GPS-based precision agriculture
  • Autonomous vehicle technology for industrial use

Business Segments

  • Buildings and Infrastructure
    Software and hardware for construction.
  • Geospatial
    Surveying and mapping solutions.
  • Resources and Utilities
    Agriculture and forestry solutions.

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.