Definitions
Total Return
Total return measures shareholder return from both share price changes and dividends/distributions, assuming dividends/distributions are reinvested on the ex-dividend/distribution date. It is shown as a percentage and in absolute terms.
Dividend/Distribution
Unadjusted dividend/distribution
The dividend's/distribution's value at the time it was disbursed, i.e., not adjusted for issues, splits or redemption.
Adjusted dividend/distribution
The dividend/distribution amount adjusted for share issues and splits. Example: In 2006, dividend/distribution of 10 (for a given currency) per share was given by the owners. In 2010, a split that gives shareholders two shares for one old was declared. Dividend/Distribution of 10 in 2006 is recalculated taking into account that the shareholders now have twice as many shares as compared to the time of the distribution. The adjusted dividend/distribution is in this example 5 per share.
Dividend/Distribution yield
The dividend/distribution yield measures the annual dividends/distributions paid by a company relative to its share price. It is expressed as a percentage and is calculated by dividing the annual dividend/distribution per share by the current share price.
Share/Unit
The share/unit price is a reflection of the trading in company’s share/unit price quoted on the relevant stock exchange.
Average annual return
As investors use the term, the return an investment provides over a period of time, expressed as a time-weighted annual percentage. Sources of returns can include interest, dividends/distributions, returns of capital, and capital appreciation.