Explainer
Dividends Not Included What It Means
Some return numbers include cash payouts like dividends. A price-only history check can miss that part of the story, especially over long windows or for dividend-focused assets.
Published: December 26, 2025 · Updated: December 26, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only, not financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative; results depend on your inputs and assumptions.
- Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results; market returns can be negative.
- See the Privacy Policy for data handling details.
Open the Investment History Checker
Run a window, read the price-based results, and note whether dividends are included for your ticker.
Quick answer
- Dividends are cash payments that can add to your overall return.
- A price-only check looks at share price change but may exclude dividends.
- Over long periods, the gap can be meaningful.
What dividends are
Companies or funds may distribute cash to holders. The share price can drop on the payment date even though you received value through the dividend.
Price return vs total return
| Measure | Includes | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Price return | Price change only | Simple charts |
| Total return | Price change plus dividends or distributions (assumption based) | Long term comparisons |
See total return vs price return for more detail.
Mini illustrative example
Start price: 100
End price: 105
Dividends paid: 4
Price return = 5%
Simplified total return = 9% (dividends added, timing ignored)Real total return depends on dividend timing and whether dividends are reinvested.
When the difference is bigger
- Long time windows.
- Dividend paying shares.
- ETFs and funds with regular distributions.
- Periods where price is flat but dividends continue.
What the Investment History Checker shows
The checker focuses on price history for the chosen ticker and window. If dividends are not included in the calculation, total return may be higher than the price return shown. See the disclaimer and FAQ for scope and data notes.
What to do next
- Check whether a source reports price return or total return.
- Compare multiple windows, not just one.
- Read the definition of total return used by the source.
- Treat results as directional and illustrative.
For more answers, read the Investment History Checker FAQ.
Common misunderstandings
- Assuming dividends are always included.
- Assuming total return includes taxes or fees.
- Assuming dividend reinvestment is automatic.
- Comparing two sites that use different return definitions.
FAQ preview
Does every stock pay dividends?
No. Some pay regularly, some do not pay at all.
Does total return include reinvestment?
Often yes, but it depends on the source. Check the assumptions.
Does total return include taxes?
Usually not. Taxes and personal fees are typically excluded.
Why do two sites show different returns?
They may differ on dividend inclusion, timing, and reinvestment rules.
Where can I see the full FAQ?
Read the Investment History Checker FAQ for more detail.
Do price-only charts include dividend payouts?
No. Price-only views exclude dividends; total return figures may include them depending on the source.
Check your window in the tool
Run your dates, note whether dividends are included, and pair the results with total return definitions.