On Thursday, shares of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) were trading at a low of $22.85, offering investors a dividend yield exceeding 4%, based on an annualized dividend of $0.92. This performance positions ASB as part of the Russell 3000, indicating its status among the largest U.S. companies.
Historically, dividends have contributed significantly to total stock market returns. For instance, an investment in the iShares Russell 3000 ETF from May 2000 to May 2012 showed only a minor decline in share value, but dividends added 13.15% to the total return, emphasizing the importance of consistent dividends.
