The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the last five years, gaining 56% in that time.
The stock has lifted from around $72.70 in late March 2018 to trade at $114.43 as of Friday's close.
That means a $7,000 investment in Rio Tinto shares back then would likely have seen an investor walk away with 96 of the iron ore giant's stocks.
Today, that parcel would be worth $10,985.28. And that's before considering the dividends paid over the same period.
For comparison, the ASX 200 has gained around 21% over the last five years.
Let's dive into all the dividends provided to Rio Tinto shareholders during that time.
All dividends paid to those holding Rio Tinto shares since 2018
Here are all the dividends paid to those holding Rio Tinto shares since March 2018, rounded to the nearest cent:
| Rio Tinto dividends' pay date | Type | Dividend amount |
| September 2022 | Interim | $3.84 |
| April 2022 | Final and special | $5.77 and 86 cents |
| September 2021 | Interim and special | $5.09 and $2.51 |
| April 2021 | Final and special | $3.97 and $1.20 |
| September 2020 | Interim | $2.16 |
| April 2020 | Final | $3.50 |
| September 2019 | Interim and special | $2.19 and 89 cents |
| April 2019 | Final and special | $2.51 and $3.39 |
| September 2018 | Interim | $1.71 |
| April 2018 | Final | $2.29 |
| Total: | $41.88 |
All up, Rio Tinto investors have likely received $41.88 of passive income for each share in the iron ore producer they've held since this same date in 2018.
That means our figurative $7,000 investment has probably yielded around $4,020.48 in dividends over its life, leaving it with a total return on investment (ROI) of approximately 115%.
And that's before considering the franking credits that have been attached to all the company's offerings, potentially bringing tax benefits over the years.
Not to mention, one may have realised an even greater return if they were to have reinvested their dividends, thereby employing the power of compounding.
Rio Tinto will pay its upcoming final dividend – worth $3.26 per share – on 20 April.
Right now, the mining favourite's stock offers a 6.2% dividend yield.
