MarketXLS

Stock Return Three Years

Returns the stock's past 3 years return. By default, this function returns total return using adjusted prices where available. You can optionally pass a second argument to request price return instead.

What is Calculated

The calculation measures return over the past 3 years using the nearest available trading dates for the start and end observations.

Parameters

Parameter Required Description
Symbol Yes Stock ticker symbol
TypeOfReturn No Optional. Use total (default) for dividend-adjusted total return, or price for price return. Also accepts return, change, and changepercent.

Notes

  • Returns are expressed as decimals (0.20 = 20% gain)
  • Default behavior is total return
  • Use price when you want return based only on unadjusted closing prices
  • Trading-day availability may shift the exact start/end observation dates slightly

Syntax

=StockReturnThreeYears(Symbol, [TypeOfReturn])
Excel Desktop (Windows)

Parameters

symbolstringRequired

Stock ticker symbol

typeOfReturnstring

Return type. total/return uses adjusted prices and includes dividends where available; price uses unadjusted close prices.

Returns

number

3-year stock return as a decimal. Default behavior is total return; use typeOfReturn="price" for price return.

Examples

=StockReturnThreeYears("AAPL")
3-year total return (default)
=StockReturnThreeYears("AAPL","total")
3-year total return
=StockReturnThreeYears("AAPL","price")
3-year price return
=StockReturnThreeYears("AAPL") * 100
Convert to percentage

When to Use

  • Multi-year trend analysis
  • Longer-term stock comparisons
  • Portfolio review across multiple years

When NOT to Use

Scenario Use Instead
Need a different preset horizon Use the corresponding StockReturn...() function for that horizon
Need custom dates StockReturnCustomDates()
Need dollar change instead of return Use the corresponding Change...() function where available

Common Issues & FAQ

What is the difference between total and price?

total uses adjusted prices and includes dividends where available. price uses unadjusted close prices and excludes dividend adjustments.

Why might the exact dates differ from the dates I expect?

If the requested anchor date is a weekend or market holiday, the calculation uses the nearest available trading date.

Why am I getting NA?

Check that the symbol is valid and that sufficient historical pricing data is available for the requested period.

Excel Templates Using Stock Return Three Years

These ready-made MarketXLS templates call StockReturnThreeYears() in their worksheet formulas. Open one to see the function working inside a complete model.

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See StockReturnThreeYears used in a complete workbook: Covered Call ETF Screener Excel: June 2026 Income & NAV Decay Dashboard

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