About GM Dividend Returns
General Motors Company (GM) 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 GM over the past year?
General Motors Company (GM) delivered a total return of 61.37% over the past year when dividends are reinvested. The price-only return was 60.21%, meaning dividends contributed an additional 1.16 percentage points to total returns.
Q2How much would $10,000 invested in GM be worth today?
A $10,000 investment in General Motors Company one year ago would be worth $16,137 today with dividends reinvested (DRIP). Without reinvesting dividends, the same investment would be worth $16,021. Dividend reinvestment added $116 to the portfolio value.
Q3Does GM pay dividends?
Yes, General Motors Company (GM) pays dividends. In the last year, GM paid approximately $0.68 per share in dividends (0.86% 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 GM beat the S&P 500?
Yes, General Motors Company (GM) outperformed the S&P 500 by 45.92 percentage points over the past year. GM delivered a total return of 61.37%, compared to the S&P 500's 15.45%. This 45.92pp alpha means investors in GM earned more than a passive S&P 500 index fund.
Q5What is GM's worst drawdown?
General Motors Company (GM) experienced a maximum drawdown of -19.22% over the past year, declining from its peak on 2025-03-25 to its trough on 2025-04-08. The stock recovered to its prior peak by 2025-07-02. Maximum drawdown measures the worst peak-to-trough decline and is an important risk metric for investors.
Q6What is GM's long-term total return over 10, 20, or 30 years?
General Motors Company (GM) has delivered strong long-term returns with dividends reinvested. Over 10 years, the total return is 194.7% (11.4% CAGR) — $10,000 would have grown to $29,470. Over 20 years: 161.3% total return (4.9% CAGR) — $10,000 → $26,130. Over 30 years: 161.3% total return (3.3% CAGR) — $10,000 → $26,130. Long-term investors benefit from compounding: dividends buy additional shares, which generate their own dividends, creating an exponential growth effect.
Q7What was GM's best and worst year?
General Motors Company's best calendar year was 2025 with a total return of 59.4%. Its worst year was 2011 with a total return of -45.3%. This range shows the volatility investors should expect — the difference between the best and worst year is 104.7 percentage points.
Find the Best Dividend Stocks
Screen for dividend stocks with the highest total returns (including DRIP).