About KO Dividend Returns
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) 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 KO over the past year?
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) delivered a total return of 17.40% over the past year when dividends are reinvested. The price-only return was 14.53%, meaning dividends contributed an additional 2.86 percentage points to total returns.
Q2How much would $10,000 invested in KO be worth today?
A $10,000 investment in The Coca-Cola Company one year ago would be worth $11,740 today with dividends reinvested (DRIP). Without reinvesting dividends, the same investment would be worth $11,453. Dividend reinvestment added $286 to the portfolio value.
Q3Does KO pay dividends?
Yes, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) pays dividends. In the last year, KO paid approximately $2.04 per share in dividends (2.50% 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 KO beat the S&P 500?
Yes, The Coca-Cola Company (KO) outperformed the S&P 500 by 1.95 percentage points over the past year. KO delivered a total return of 17.40%, compared to the S&P 500's 15.45%. This 1.95pp alpha means investors in KO earned more than a passive S&P 500 index fund.
Q5What is KO's worst drawdown?
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) experienced a maximum drawdown of -11.14% over the past year, declining from its peak on 2025-04-22 to its trough on 2025-09-26. The stock recovered to its prior peak by 2026-01-30. Maximum drawdown measures the worst peak-to-trough decline and is an important risk metric for investors.
Q6What is KO's long-term total return over 10, 20, or 30 years?
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) has delivered strong long-term returns with dividends reinvested. Over 10 years, the total return is 128.4% (8.6% CAGR) — $10,000 would have grown to $22,838. Over 20 years: 414.0% total return (8.5% CAGR) — $10,000 → $51,396. Over 30 years: 449.3% total return (5.8% CAGR) — $10,000 → $54,926. Long-term investors benefit from compounding: dividends buy additional shares, which generate their own dividends, creating an exponential growth effect.
Q7What was KO's best and worst year?
The Coca-Cola Company's best calendar year was 1996 with a total return of 40.3%. Its worst year was 2008 with a total return of -25.9%. This range shows the volatility investors should expect — the difference between the best and worst year is 66.2 percentage points.
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