Photo: Flickr.com/Mike Mozart

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s is a leading foodservice retailer with global reach, operating and franchising restaurants under the McDonald’s label.  More than 4 out of every 5 McDonald’s locations are franchised and run by independent business people.  According to Forbes, as of November 2013 McDonald’s has the 6^th most powerful brand in the world, with the value of the brand alone (not the full company) worth nearly $40 billion.

The company is a member of the S&P 500 and Dow 30 indices and is traded under the ticker symbol MCD.

McDonald’s Dividend and Stock Split History

McDonald’s became a Dividend Aristocrat in 2001 and has increased its annual dividends since 1982.  The company usually announces annual dividend increases in September, with the stock going ex-dividend in November.

McDonald’s has compounded its payout at an average rate of 4.7% over the last 5 years and 9.2% over the last 10 years.

McDonald’s stock has split 12 times – six 2 for 1 splits and 6 3 for 2 splits – since 1966.  2 for 1 splits have occurred in May 1968, June 1969, June 1972, June 1989, June 1994, and March 1999.  The 3 for 2 splits have occurred in April 1966, June 1971, October 1982, September 1984, June 1986, and June 1987.

Direct Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plans

McDonald’s offers both direct investment and dividend reinvestment plans which are administered through Computershare.  There are some fees associated with both plans: a $5 initial fee, a $6 cash purchase fee and a $1.50 automatic investment fee (for automatic ongoing investments).  There are no dividend reinvestment fees.  The minimum initial investment is $500.

Information about the direct investment and dividend reinvestment plans are available at McDonald’s Investor Relations website.

Helpful Links

McDonald’s Investor Relations

Current quote and financial summary (finviz.com)