About AZN Dividend Returns
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) is a dividend-paying stock. When dividends are reinvested through a DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan), they purchase additional shares, which then generate their own dividends—creating a compounding effect that can significantly boost long-term returns.
How We Calculate Total Return
Our total return calculator simulates dividend reinvestment (DRIP) by assuming each dividend payment is used to purchase additional shares at the closing price on the ex-dividend date. This methodology provides an accurate representation of how a dividend reinvestment plan would perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is the total return of AZN over the past year?
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) delivered a total return of 40.31% over the past year when dividends are reinvested. The price-only return was 38.54%, meaning dividends contributed an additional 1.77 percentage points to total returns.
Q2How much would $10,000 invested in AZN be worth today?
A $10,000 investment in AstraZeneca PLC one year ago would be worth $14,031 today with dividends reinvested (DRIP). Without reinvesting dividends, the same investment would be worth $13,854. Dividend reinvestment added $177 to the portfolio value.
Q3Does AZN pay dividends?
Yes, AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) pays dividends. In the last year, AZN paid approximately $1.63 per share in dividends (0.78% yield). Reinvesting these dividends through a DRIP can significantly boost long-term returns — over 20+ years, dividend compounding can account for 30–50% of total returns for dividend-paying stocks.
Q4Did AZN beat the S&P 500?
Yes, AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) outperformed the S&P 500 by 24.86 percentage points over the past year. AZN delivered a total return of 40.31%, compared to the S&P 500's 15.45%. This 24.86pp alpha means investors in AZN earned more than a passive S&P 500 index fund.
Q5What is AZN's worst drawdown?
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) experienced a maximum drawdown of -51.37% over the past year, declining from its peak on 2026-01-16 to its trough on 2026-01-24. The stock recovered to its prior peak by 2026-02-06. Maximum drawdown measures the worst peak-to-trough decline and is an important risk metric for investors.
Q6What is AZN's long-term total return over 10, 20, or 30 years?
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) has delivered strong long-term returns with dividends reinvested. Over 10 years, the total return is 296.2% (14.8% CAGR) — $10,000 would have grown to $39,616. Over 20 years: 921.3% total return (12.3% CAGR) — $10,000 → $102,132. Over 30 years: 2397.6% total return (11.3% CAGR) — $10,000 → $249,761. Long-term investors benefit from compounding: dividends buy additional shares, which generate their own dividends, creating an exponential growth effect.
Q7What was AZN's best and worst year?
AstraZeneca PLC's best calendar year was 2009 with a total return of 126.6%. Its worst year was 2004 with a total return of -25.7%. This range shows the volatility investors should expect — the difference between the best and worst year is 152.3 percentage points.
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