CLX vs SPY: The Clorox Company vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This CLX vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of The Clorox Company 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 The Clorox Company 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
CLX Wins
0
Ties
15
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, The Clorox Company outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed The Clorox Company in 15 years.

CLX - The Clorox Company

Average Annual Return:+12.47%
Best Year:+63.04% (1997)
Worst Year:-36.02% (2025)
Win Rate:77.5% (31/40 years)
Total Value:$586,811.58
Total Gain:+$576,811.58 (+5768.12%)

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: CLX with an average annual return of 12.47% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding CLX vs SPY Performance

When comparing The Clorox Company 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 The Clorox Company grew to $586,812, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearCLX ReturnCLX CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+9.70%$10,970.32---Tie
1988+10.35%$12,105.27---Tie
1989+13.54%$13,743.74---Tie
1990+42.74%$19,618.20---Tie
1991-8.99%$17,854.46---Tie
1992+17.09%$20,906.12---Tie
1993+16.55%$24,366.26---Tie
1994+21.55%$29,617.36+8.71%$10,870.91+12.84% (CLX)CLX
1995+11.78%$33,106.48+0.67%$10,943.47+11.11% (CLX)CLX
1996+26.20%$41,778.77+37.39%$15,035.16-11.19% (SPY)SPY
1997+43.50%$59,952.53+21.20%$18,223.19+22.30% (CLX)CLX
1998+63.04%$97,744.47+33.14%$24,261.81+29.90% (CLX)CLX
1999+49.89%$146,511.70+28.03%$31,063.11+21.86% (CLX)CLX
2000-11.04%$130,341.40+20.66%$37,482.18-31.70% (SPY)SPY
2001-26.40%$95,930.28-8.85%$34,165.23-17.55% (SPY)SPY
2002+17.72%$112,932.31-10.13%$30,703.75+27.85% (CLX)CLX
2003+6.66%$120,453.97-22.42%$23,820.14+29.08% (CLX)CLX
2004+17.69%$141,764.35+24.18%$29,580.86-6.49% (SPY)SPY
2005+26.16%$178,844.67+10.75%$32,760.13+15.41% (CLX)CLX
2006-0.60%$177,774.62+5.32%$34,504.59-5.92% (SPY)SPY
2007+14.40%$203,368.17+13.84%$39,281.03+0.55% (CLX)CLX
2008+3.97%$211,435.83+5.33%$41,375.53-1.37% (SPY)SPY
2009-10.36%$189,539.77-36.24%$26,382.38+25.88% (CLX)CLX
2010+12.02%$212,314.95+22.65%$32,359.23-10.64% (SPY)SPY
2011+6.42%$225,949.19+13.14%$36,610.39-6.72% (SPY)SPY
2012+11.77%$252,549.59+0.85%$36,922.44+10.92% (CLX)CLX
2013+12.27%$283,538.26+14.17%$42,154.69-1.90% (SPY)SPY
2014+29.23%$366,430.22+29.00%$54,380.19+0.23% (CLX)CLX
2015+17.96%$432,245.09+14.56%$62,298.86+3.40% (CLX)CLX
2016+25.43%$542,186.24+1.29%$63,101.60+24.15% (CLX)CLX
2017-1.79%$532,456.87+13.59%$71,674.43-15.38% (SPY)SPY
2018+26.09%$671,352.51+20.78%$86,569.38+5.30% (CLX)CLX
2019+9.31%$733,851.39-5.25%$82,026.91+14.56% (CLX)CLX
2020+4.27%$765,159.07+31.09%$107,527.02-26.82% (SPY)SPY
2021+35.28%$1,035,094.15+17.24%$126,059.55+18.04% (CLX)CLX
2022-10.85%$922,822.78+30.51%$164,514.60-41.35% (SPY)SPY
2023-17.27%$763,445.72-18.65%$133,838.54+1.38% (CLX)CLX
2024+3.56%$790,655.30+26.71%$169,585.78-23.15% (SPY)SPY
2025+16.01%$917,233.21+25.59%$212,981.61-9.58% (SPY)SPY
2026-36.02%$586,811.58+17.66%$250,597.02-53.69% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

The Clorox Company

CLX

The Clorox Company is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products. The company's diverse portfolio includes cleaning supplies, bags and wraps, foods, personal care items, water filtration products, grilling products, and pet care supplies.

Key Innovations

  • Invented the first modern liquid bleach, Clorox, revolutionizing household cleaning and sanitation.
  • Successfully diversified its product portfolio through strategic acquisitions and internal development, creating a wide range of leading consumer brands.

Business Segments

  • Health and Wellness
    Includes cleaning, disinfecting, and personal care products under brands like Clorox, Pine-Sol, and Burt's Bees.
  • Household
    Includes bags, wraps, and charcoal products under brands like Glad and Kingsford.
  • Lifestyle
    Includes food products like Hidden Valley dressings, and water filtration products under the Brita brand (in the Americas).
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.