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About STLD Dividend Returns

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) 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 STLD over the past year?

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) delivered a total return of 93.64% over the past year when dividends are reinvested. The price-only return was 92.08%, meaning dividends contributed an additional 1.56 percentage points to total returns.

Q2How much would $10,000 invested in STLD be worth today?

A $10,000 investment in Steel Dynamics, Inc. one year ago would be worth $19,364 today with dividends reinvested (DRIP). Without reinvesting dividends, the same investment would be worth $19,208. Dividend reinvestment added $156 to the portfolio value.

Q3Does STLD pay dividends?

Yes, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) pays dividends. In the last year, STLD paid approximately $1.96 per share in dividends (0.79% 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 STLD beat the S&P 500?

Yes, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) outperformed the S&P 500 by 68.65 percentage points over the past year. STLD delivered a total return of 93.64%, compared to the S&P 500's 24.99%. This 68.65pp alpha means investors in STLD earned more than a passive S&P 500 index fund.

Q5What is STLD's worst drawdown?

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) experienced a maximum drawdown of -20.29% over the past year, declining from its peak on 2026-02-11 to its trough on 2026-03-20. The stock recovered to its prior peak by 2026-04-20. Maximum drawdown measures the worst peak-to-trough decline and is an important risk metric for investors.

Q6What is STLD's long-term total return over 10, 20, or 30 years?

Here are Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD)'s long-term returns with dividends reinvested. Over 10 years, the total return is 899.0% (25.9% CAGR) — $10,000 would have grown to $99,897. Over 20 years: 1916.6% total return (16.2% CAGR) — $10,000 → $201,664. Over 30 years: 5612.7% total return (14.4% CAGR) — $10,000 → $571,265. Long-term investors benefit from compounding: dividends buy additional shares, which generate their own dividends, creating an exponential growth effect.

Q7What was STLD's best and worst year?

Steel Dynamics, Inc.'s best calendar year was 2016 with a total return of 103.5%. Its worst year was 2008 with a total return of -61.4%. This range shows the volatility investors should expect — the difference between the best and worst year is 164.9 percentage points.

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