Last update: May 9, 2026 at 09:32
Dividend Safety Rating
MCD's dividend appears safe and well-supported. Strengths include a 59.9% earnings payout ratio & 47.4% cfo payout ratio. Areas of concern: 90.8% net debt / total assets & 1.0x current ratio. As a Dividend Aristocrat with 25+ consecutive years of increases, MCD has a proven commitment to shareholders.
Based on 15 of 15 metrics
Strengths
- Operating Margin: 45.3%Healthy operating margin provides a wide buffer.
- Gross Margin: 57.5%High gross margin signals strong pricing power.
- Dividend Streak: Aristocrat (25+ yrs)Long, uninterrupted dividend track record.
Risks
- Net Debt / Total Assets: 90.8%Net debt is high relative to total assets.
- Debt-to-Equity: -30.6Debt-to-equity is elevated for the sector.
- Return on Equity: -478.1%Return on equity is below industry norms.
Payout & Coverage
SafeBalance Sheet
DangerProfitability
SafeDividend Track Record
Very SafeAbout McDonald's Corporation
McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest restaurant owner-operator, owning, operating, and franchising McDonald's branded restaurants in the United States and over 115 international markets. Founded in 1940 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a core menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, desserts, soft drinks, coffee, and breakfast items, alongside limited-time promotions to drive customer interest. McDonald's pioneered the franchise model, deriving approximately 60% of its revenue from royalty fees and lease payments, with the balance from company-operated stores across its U.S., international operated markets, and developmental/licensed segments. In 2024, it achieved systemwide sales of $131 billion across more than 43,000 locations, underscoring its dominant position in the global quick-service restaurant industry within the consumer services sector. Employing around 150,000 people, McDonald's continues to emphasize operational efficiency, value offerings, and menu innovation to maintain its market leadership.
Dividend Overview
Dividend Yield
2.63%
Annual Dividend
$7.26
Frequency
Quarterly
Payout Ratio
59.85%
FCF Payout Ratio
71.19%
Stock Price
$275.75
52-Week Range
$274.83 – $341.75
Dividend History (2016–2025)
MCD annual dividend per share and yield history
Earnings & Profitability
MCD earnings per share and net profit margin
Key Dates
Last Ex-Dividend Date
March 3, 2026
Last Payment Date
March 17, 2026
Dividend Growth
3-Year Dividend CAGR
8.20%
5-Year Dividend CAGR
7.30%
10-Year Dividend CAGR
7.62%
3-Year Total Growth
26.68%
5-Year Total Growth
42.26%
10-Year Total Growth
108.43%
Dividend Aristocrat (25+ yrs)
This company has increased its dividend for 25+ consecutive years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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This page is not investment advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Financial data, including dividend history, earnings, balance sheet metrics, and the Dividend Safety Rating, is provided for informational purposes only. Data may be delayed or differ from official filings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify with official sources before making investment decisions.
Market data provided by Twelve Data.