McDonald’s Nears Dividend King Status with Consistent Payout Growth
McDonald's is on the verge of joining the elite group of Dividend Kings, requiring just two more annual dividend increases to achieve 50 consecutive years of payout growth. The fast-food giant has raised its dividend every year since 1976, with the latest hike bringing it to $7.08 per share—a 6% increase.
Investors currently enjoy a 2.3% yield, nearly double the S&P 500 average. The company's $4.66 billion in trailing dividend payments remains well-covered by $6.90 billion in free cash flow, underscoring the sustainability of its shareholder returns.