MCDONALD'S CORP (NYSE:MCD) stands out as a strong candidate for dividend investors, according to our Best Dividend Stocks screener. The company combines a solid dividend track record with healthy profitability and financial stability, making it a compelling option for income-focused investors.
Dividend Strength
Consistent Payouts: MCD has paid dividends for at least 10 years without reductions, demonstrating reliability.
Growing Dividends: The company has increased its dividend at an annual rate of 7.43%, outpacing inflation and rewarding long-term shareholders.
Reasonable Yield: At 2.48%, MCD's yield is slightly above the S&P 500 average and competitive within its industry.
Payout Sustainability: While the payout ratio of 60.41% is slightly elevated, earnings growth supports continued dividend increases.
Profitability & Financial Health
High Margins: MCD maintains strong profitability, with an Operating Margin of 45.86% and Return on Invested Capital of 18.02%, outperforming most peers.
Stable Cash Flow: The company generates consistent cash flow, ensuring dividend sustainability.
Solid Balance Sheet: With an Altman-Z score of 4.97, MCD shows low bankruptcy risk, and its debt levels remain manageable.
Valuation Considerations
MCD trades at a P/E of 25.43, slightly below the S&P 500 average but at a premium compared to some industry peers. While not cheap, its strong fundamentals justify the valuation for long-term dividend investors.