Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) Stock Investment Calculator & Historical Return Analysis
Colgate-Palmolive Company is an American multinational consumer products company specializing in the production, distribution, and provision of household, health care, personal care, and veterinary products. The company operates in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, with international sales accounting for approximately 70% of its total business. Investors often view Colgate-Palmolive Company as a key player in the market, analyzing its long-term potential through various revenue models, brand recognition, and consistent presence in its industry.
This Colgate-Palmolive Company stock investment calculator allows you to explore how a hypothetical investment in CL might have performed over time. By adjusting the investment amount and time period, you can visualize potential growth, compare outcomes across different market cycles, and better understand the impact of long-term investing.
What if you invested $1000 in CL on Jan 1, 2020?
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Understanding Colgate-Palmolive Company's Historical Performance
Colgate-Palmolive Company's stock performance has historically reflected both broader market trends and company-specific milestones. Like many growth-oriented stocks, CL has experienced periods of growth driven by innovation and market demand.
When analyzing Colgate-Palmolive Company's historical returns, it's important to consider:
- Market cycles: Strong bull markets often amplify returns, while recessions can temporarily suppress performance.
- Business model evolution: Changes in revenue strategies and product lines can significantly impact stability.
- Long-term trends: Over extended periods, compounding can play a larger role than short-term price fluctuations. Try our calculator to explore returns over 5 years or larger investments over 10 years.
This calculator helps you see how these factors might have affected an investment depending on when you entered the market.
Historical Annual Returns
Over the past 40 years, Colgate-Palmolive Company has delivered an average annual return of 14.1%. The stock peaked in 1997 with a massive +64.4% gain, while investors faced a downturn in 2018 (-18.9%). Overall, the stock finished in the green 30 times out of 40 years.
Avg Return
+14.1%
Win Rate
75%
30W - 10L
Best
+64.4%
1997
Worst
-18.9%
2018
Performance Consistency
Colgate-Palmolive Company Annual Returns by Year
| Year | Annual Return | Start Price | End Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | +31.56% | $0.81 | $1.07 |
| 1987 | -3.76% | $1.10 | $1.06 |
| 1988 | +19.83% | $1.10 | $1.32 |
| 1989 | +44.53% | $1.27 | $1.83 |
| 1990 | +19.03% | $1.84 | $2.19 |
| 1991 | +39.53% | $2.13 | $2.98 |
| 1992 | +17.85% | $2.94 | $3.47 |
| 1993 | +17.23% | $3.39 | $3.98 |
| 1994 | +6.94% | $3.88 | $4.15 |
| 1995 | +14.76% | $4.12 | $4.73 |
| 1996 | +33.27% | $4.77 | $6.35 |
| 1997 | +64.37% | $6.27 | $10.30 |
| 1998 | +28.47% | $10.27 | $13.19 |
| 1999 | +46.21% | $12.78 | $18.69 |
| 2000 | +4.88% | $17.90 | $18.77 |
| 2001 | -6.48% | $18.18 | $17.00 |
| 2002 | -7.77% | $16.96 | $15.64 |
| 2003 | -5.45% | $16.05 | $15.18 |
| 2004 | +5.04% | $15.04 | $15.80 |
| 2005 | +12.05% | $15.45 | $17.31 |
| 2006 | +21.40% | $17.33 | $21.04 |
| 2007 | +21.15% | $21.18 | $25.66 |
| 2008 | -9.39% | $25.46 | $23.07 |
| 2009 | +21.53% | $23.33 | $28.36 |
| 2010 | -0.52% | $28.60 | $28.45 |
| 2011 | +18.93% | $28.24 | $33.59 |
| 2012 | +17.60% | $33.11 | $38.94 |
| 2013 | +25.49% | $39.60 | $49.70 |
| 2014 | +9.94% | $49.00 | $53.87 |
| 2015 | -1.35% | $53.75 | $53.03 |
| 2016 | +3.40% | $51.51 | $53.26 |
| 2017 | +17.70% | $53.34 | $62.79 |
| 2018 | -18.86% | $62.53 | $50.74 |
| 2019 | +19.14% | $50.51 | $60.17 |
| 2020 | +28.51% | $59.54 | $76.52 |
| 2021 | +3.51% | $75.47 | $78.11 |
| 2022 | -4.60% | $77.43 | $73.87 |
| 2023 | +3.34% | $74.18 | $76.66 |
| 2024 | +15.11% | $77.63 | $89.36 |
| 2025 | -11.22% | $89.01 | $79.02 |
Historical annual returns for Colgate-Palmolive Company. Data shows year-over-year percentage change in stock price.
Why Use a "What If" Stock Calculator?
Many investors wonder questions such as:
- What if I had invested 5 years ago?
- How does timing affect long-term returns?
- What role does compounding play in stock investments?
A what-if investment calculator answers these questions by turning historical data into practical insights. Rather than focusing on daily price movements, it encourages a long-term perspective, which is especially useful for retirement planning, portfolio comparisons, and financial education.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the mass production and distribution of toothpaste in tubes, making oral hygiene widely accessible.
- ✓Developed Palmolive soap, which became a globally recognized and best-selling soap brand.
Business Segments
- Oral CareIncludes toothpastes, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes under brands like Colgate, elmex, and meridol.
- Personal CareIncludes soaps, shower gels, deodorants, and shampoos under brands like Palmolive, Softsoap, and Sanex.
- Home CareIncludes dishwashing liquids, fabric conditioners, and household cleaners under brands like Palmolive, Ajax, and Fabuloso.
How to Interpret the Results
The results shown are based on historical performance and are meant for educational and informational purposes only. They do not account for future market conditions, taxes, transaction fees, or individual investment strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results, but historical analysis can help investors understand risk, volatility, and growth potential.
For best use:
- Compare multiple time ranges to see how outcomes differ
- Use consistent assumptions across different stocks
- Combine this tool with fundamental research and diversification principles