Bought $1,000 of NAB shares 10 years ago? Here's how much dividend income you've received

NAB's dividends may have nearly doubled an investors' money in just 10 years.

| More on:
Young boy wearing suit and glasses counts his money using a calculator.

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 NAB share price has underperformed against the ASX 200 over the last 10 years
  • The stock has gained around 30% while the index has soared more than 50% in that time
  • Fortunately, the big bank's dividends have made up for its stock's sluggishness

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have been providing investors with a portion of the major bank's profits in the form of dividends since 1983. Though, its stock has failed to keep up with the market over the last decade.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained more than 50% since December 2012. The NAB share price, meanwhile, has lifted nearly 30% in that time to trade at $30.12 today.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3National Australia Bank PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

An investor who bought $1,000 of the big bank's stock this time 10 years ago would likely have walked away with 42 shares paying $23.34 apiece and $19 change. Today, that same parcel would be worth $1,265.04.

Have NAB's dividends made up for its share price's underperformance? Let's take a look.

How much have NAB shares paid in dividends in 10 years?

Here are all the dividends handed out to those invested in NAB shares over the last decade: 

NAB dividends' pay dateTypeDividend amount
December 2022Final78 cents
July 2022Interim73 cents
December 2021Final67 cents
July 2021Interim60 cents
December 2020Final30 cents
July 2020Interim30 cents
December 2019Final83 cents
July 2019Interim83 cents
December 2018Final99 cents
July 2018Interim99 cents
December 2017Final99 cents
July 2017Interim99 cents
December 2016Final99 cents
July 2016Interim99 cents
December 2015Final99 cents
July 2015Interim99 cents
December 2014Final99 cents
July 2014Interim99 cents
December 2013Final97 cents
July 2013Interim93 cents
December 2012Final90 cents
Total: $17.74

Did you buy NAB shares for $23.34 apiece 10 years ago? If you did, you've likely received $17.74 in dividends per share over the years since.

Thus, a near-$1,000 investment in the big bank a decade ago would have yielded $745.08 by now. That's certainly nothing to scoff at!

It also means our figurative investor has earned more in capital gains and dividends than they forked out to begin with – discounting the initial purchase price, their investment would have returned a total of $1,029.88 over its life so far.

Of course, they might have boasted an even larger return if they worked to compound their dividends by making use of NAB's dividend reinvestment plan (DRP).

Additionally, all dividends paid by the bank in that time have been fully franked. That means they might have provided more benefits at tax time.

Right now, NAB shares trade with a 5% dividend yield.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Big dividends: A 7% ASX ETF to buy for income this week

This ETF is a great choice when you can't find anything else...

Read more »

A woman sits at a table with notebook on lap and pen in hand as she gazes off to the side with the pen resting on the side of her face as though she is thinking and contemplating while a glass of orange juice and a pair of red sunglasses rests on the table beside her.
Dividend Investing

The smartest ASX dividend shares to buy with $3,000 right now

These businesses offer a pleasing dividend yield and great value.

Read more »

Happy woman working on a laptop.
Dividend Investing

The smartest ASX dividend stocks to buy with $1,000 right now

High yields are hard to find these days.

Read more »

Different Australian notes.
ETFs

Own the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF? Here's your next dividend

Vanguard announced the final distribution amount for VTS ETF investors today.

Read more »

ETF written on cubes sitting on piles of coins.
ETFs

Own SPDR ASX ETFs? Here is your next dividend and when you'll receive it

State Street Global Advisors announced distribution payment amounts and dates today.

Read more »

A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.
Dividend Investing

Forget CBA shares and buy these ASX dividend stocks

Analysts think these shares are better buys that CBA right now.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Dividend Investing

3 ASX dividend shares to buy to beat falling interest rates

Analysts think these buy-rated shares could generate great yields.

Read more »

An oil refinery worker stands in front of an oil rig with his arms crossed and a smile on his face as the Woodside share price climbs today
ETFs

This ASX ETF has a 4% dividend yield. Should you buy for income?

There aren't too many ETFs offering more than 4% right now...

Read more »