Total Return
An investor may earn additional revenues from an investment in addition to appreciation in the value of the investment.
Total return includes appreciation, as well as dividends and interest (income).
Example Question 1
Jake bought 1,000 shares of XYZ Company at $25. Two years later, Jake sold his shares at $30. In that period, the company paid a $.25 quarterly, per share dividend. Calculate Jake’s annualized total return, not taking into account compounded interest.
Answer: 14%
Explanation: Appreciation on XYZ = $30,000 – $25,000 = $5,000
XYZ dividends = $.25 x 8 quarters x 1,000 shares = $2,000
total return = (appreciation or loss in value + dividends and interest) / original investment
total return = ($5,000 + $2