Dividend Aristocrat McDonald's raises dividend for 42nd consecutive year

Dividend Aristocrat McDonald's (MCD) will raise its dividend by almost 15 percent in 2018, marking the 42nd consecutive annual dividend increase.


McDonald's Board of Directors approved the Company's 42(nd) consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend 15% from $1.01 to $1.16 per share of common stock, payable on December 17, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 3, 2018. This brings the fourth quarter dividend payout to nearly $900 million. McDonald's has experienced increased capital allocation flexibility due to the evolution of the Company's business model and the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook said, "Our substantial cash flow enables us to invest in the business to drive growth under our Velocity Growth Plan. We are confident that the Plan will deliver sustained, long-term profitability for our system and our shareholders, which is reflected in today's increases in our dividend and three-year cash return to shareholders target."

At a stock price of $165.76 the new annual dividend yields 2.8% for MCD.

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with approximately 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. Over 90% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.