Here's How Much You Would Have Earned...

In partnership with

What if you bought a well-known, blue chip dividend stock in October, 2015 and then held it for a decade?

How much would that position be worth today?

How much would you earn from dividend income?

Here are five examples of popular dividend stocks, their total returns, and how much your position would be paying you today. We’ll start with the lowest total return first and then work our way to the largest…

1. American States Water Company ($AWR) — 113.05% Total Return

The longest dividend growth streak of any company in the United States and a water utility. American States Water Company is the pinnacle of defensive, conservative investing.

An investor who bought $10,000 worth of American States Water Company stock in October, 2015, would have acquired 240.33 shares.

Today, with dividends reinvested, this investor would have 290.93 shares worth $21,669.34 and paying $587.68 per year in dividend income. Not a market-beater, but a defensive investment that still doubled the shareholder’s money while paying a 5.8% yield-on-cost.

2. The Coca-Cola Company ($KO) — 118.36% Total Return

Possibly the most well-known stock in existence. The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company and also a stock that Warren Buffett famously owns.

An investor who purchased $10,000 worth of The Coca-Cola Company in October, 2015, would have bought 240.10 shares.

Today, with dividends reinvested, that investor would have 329.00 shares worth $22,053.45. This same investor would also earn $671.16 per year in dividend income.

3. The Procter & Gamble Company ($PG) — 168.30% Total Return

One of the largest consumer staple businesses in the world, The Procter & Gamble Company has paid a dividend every year for 135 years. The company makes everything from shampoo and laundry detergent, to toilet paper and razors.

An investor who bought $10,000 worth of The Procter & Gamble Company in October, 2015, would have purchased 134.93 shares.

Today, this position would be worth $26,677.73. And thanks to dividend reinvestment, this position would new consist of 178.18 shares paying $753.70 per year in dividend income.

4. McDonald's Corporation ($MCD) — 263.23% Total Return

McDonald's Corporation isn’t just a fast food company serving up burgers and fries. McDonald's is also a major real estate owner, holding more land than Bill Gates and the Catholic Church.

An investor who acquired $10,000 worth of McDonald's Corporation in October, 2015, would have bought 96.73 shares.

Today, due to the compounding effect of dividend reinvestment, this investor would have 123.63 shares worth $36,716.05 and paying $875.30 per year in dividend income.

5. Microsoft Corporation ($MSFT) — 1,150.57% Total Return

Believe it or not, but Microsoft used to be a cheap, unloved stock. Even as recently as 2019, Microsoft was often the punchline in jokes about boring old stalwart companies. In 2015, this firm was trading at a price to earnings ratio of less than 20. And, Microsoft often paid a starting dividend yield of 2.5% to 3%.

An investor who bought $10,000 worth of Microsoft stock in October, 2015, would have purchased 213.27 shares.

Today, with dividends reinvested, that same investor would have 244.75 shares worth $125,064.79 and paying $890.89 per year in dividend income.

Start investing right from your phone

Jumping into the stock market might seem intimidating with all its ups and downs, but it’s actually easier than you think. Today’s online brokerages make it simple to buy and trade stocks, ETFs, and options right from your phone or laptop. Many even connect you with experts who can guide you along the way, so you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Get started by opening an account from Money’s list of the Best Online Stock Brokers and start investing with confidence today.

Start investing

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. It is not financial advice, always do your own research.