BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have long been one of the ASX's most popular options in the mining sector.
With its exposure to iron ore, copper, and other key commodities, the mining giant has delivered strong returns for investors over the past two and a half decades during favourable market conditions.
But just how well have BHP shares performed over the past five years? Let's take a closer look.
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$10,000 invested in BHP shares in 2021
If you had invested $10,000 into BHP shares five years ago when they were trading at $39.98, you would have been able to buy approximately 250 shares.
Fast forward to today, and BHP shares are trading at $49.73.
This means your original investment would now be worth around $12,432 based on share price growth alone.
But that's only part of the story.
Don't forget the dividends
One of BHP's biggest attractions is its dividend payments. The Big Australian generates significant free cash flow from its low-cost operations. This has underpinned some very generous dividends to shareholders.
For example, over the past five years (and including next week's payout), the company has paid a total of $14.92 per share in dividends.
For an investor holding 250 shares, that would amount to $3,730 in dividend income over the period.
When you combine both capital growth and dividends, the total value of the investment rises to approximately $16,162.
That represents a gain of just over 61% on the original $10,000 investment.
It is also worth noting that this does not include the potential benefits of reinvesting dividends, which could have boosted returns even further through compounding. Nor does it account for any of the franking credits that come from its dividends.
In addition, it is worth highlighting that BHP shares have pulled back 16% from their record-high since war broke out in the Middle East, so the returns were even greater just a couple of weeks ago.
Overall, this highlights how a combination of steady share price appreciation and strong dividend payments can deliver solid long-term returns.
And with BHP's exposure to commodities such as copper, which is expected to play a key role in electrification and renewable energy, the miner could continue to be an important option for long-term investors.
Here's hoping the next five years will be equally successful for BHP's shares.
