The last three years have been good to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price. The stock has recovered from its COVID-19 lows to roar higher.
Indeed, a person investing $11,000 in Australia's biggest bank exactly three years ago probably would have walked away with 172 shares, having paid $63.75 apiece.
Today, that parcel would be worth $17,058.96. The CBA share price last traded at $99.18 – 55% higher than it was in May 2020.
For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen 25% in that time.
But those invested in CBA shares haven't only realised capital gains. They've also received consistent dividends from the banking giant.
All dividends paid to those invested in CBA shares since 2020
Here is all the passive income offered to CBA shareholders over the last three years:
| CBA dividends' pay date | Type | Dividend amount |
| March 2023 | Interim | $2.10 |
| September 2022 | Final | $2.10 |
| March 2022 | Interim | $1.75 |
| September 2021 | Final | $2 |
| March 2021 | Interim | $1.50 |
| September 2020 | Final | 98 cents |
| Total: | $10.43 |
As the above chart shows, each CBA share has yielded $10.43 in dividends since May 2020.
That means our $11,000 investment has likely provided $1,793.96 of passive income over its life.
Considering both the capital gains and dividends offered by the ASX 200's biggest bank in that time, our figurative investment has provided a return on investment (ROI) of around 72%.
And just imagine the compounding gains one might have realised had they reinvested their dividends, perhaps using CBA's dividend reinvestment plan (DRP).
Not to mention, all offerings provided by the bank since 1991 have been fully franked. That means some shareholders might have realised additional benefits come tax time.
Right now, CBA shares are trading with a 4.23% dividend yield.
