How much has the Telstra share price paid in dividends over the last 5 years?

Telstra dividends have been a consistent source of income for investors.

| More on:
A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Telstra share price has hit strong lows and highs throughout the past 5 years 
  • Nonetheless, the company has consistently paid dividends to shareholders even through economic downturns 
  • In total, Telstra has paid 93.5 cents in dividends from September 2017 until now 

Despite being a blue-chip company, the Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price has been a disappointment over the past 5 years.

In June 2018, the telco provider's shares hit a low of $2.62 before climbing to around the $4 mark in August 2019.

But this was short-lived as its shares plummeted once again to about $2.68 in October 2020 only to regain composure.

While Telstra shares don't have a strong growth profile, it is the bi-annual income from its dividends that investors seek.

Generally, the company has paid out consistent dividends even in times of recession such as the COVID-19 era.

Let's take a look below.

A rundown on the Telstra dividend history

Here's a list of the Telstra dividends that have been paid out to shareholders over the last 5 years.

  • September 2017 – 15.5 cents (final)
  • March 2018 – 11 cents (interim)
  • September 2018 – 11 cents (final)
  • March 2019 – 8 cents (interim)
  • September 2019 – 8 cents (final)
  • March 2020 – 8 cents (interim)
  • September 2020 – 8 cents (final)
  • March 2021 – 8 cents (interim)
  • September 2021 – 8 cents (final)
  • April 2022 – 8 cents (interim)

Telstra has paid a total of 93.5 cents in dividends to shareholders from September 2017 until now. This is quite significant given its shares trade at $3.90 apiece.

However, it's worth noting that the company's dividends have begun to slowly dwindle over the years.

With the extreme volatility impacting the ASX, Telstra is expected to maintain the current 8 cents per share fully-franked dividend.

Telstra share price snapshot

Similar to its performance over the long-term, Telstra shares have moved in circles over the last 12 months, up 4%.

When looking at year-to-date, its shares have been impacted by strong inflationary movements and interest rate hikes, down 7%.

Telstra commands a market capitalisation of roughly $44.60 billion and has a dividend yield of 2.83%.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has positions in Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

A happy construction worker or miner holds a fistfull of Australian money, indicating a dividends windfall
Energy Shares

Is Woodside stock a buy for its 8% dividend yield?

Woodside's dividends look fat, but proceed with caution...

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

3 smart ASX dividend shares to buy with $500 now

Analysts think these stocks would be great options for income investors working on a budget.

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
Dividend Investing

I'd invest $10,000 in these ASX dividend shares to keep growing my wealth as rates fall

This would be my approach to dealing with a return to pitiful savings rates.

Read more »

Smiling woman with her head and arm on a desk holding $100 notes out, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Want a 6% yield? 3 ASX shares to buy today

Analysts are predicting these shares to deliver the goods for investors.

Read more »

Two excited woman pointing out a bargain opportunity on a laptop.
Dividend Investing

2 great ASX income shares I'd buy right now for the long term

I’m excited by the potential of these dividend stocks.

Read more »

A man in his late 60s, retirement age, emerges from the Australian surf carrying a surfboard under his arm and wearing a wetsuit.
Opinions

Here's how much ASX dividend income I'm aiming for in retirement

I’m using passive income stocks as a path to financial independence.

Read more »

A group of businesspeople clapping.
Dividend Investing

The perfect ASX dividend shares to buy and hold forever

Brokers think that these shares could be great long-term options for income investors.

Read more »

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknote in his hands, symbolising dividends, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

This 6% ASX dividend stock pays cash every quarter

Bell Potter says that this income option is a great option for investors.

Read more »