McDonald´s: Raises Quarterly Cash Dividend By 5%

Oak Brook / IL. (mdc) McDonald´s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0,81 USD per share of common stock payable on December 16, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 02, 2013. This represents a five percent increase over the Company´s previous quarterly dividend and brings the fourth quarter dividend payout to more than 800 million USD.

McDonald´s President and CEO Don Thompson said, «Today´s announced dividend increase brings our 2013 expected total cash return to shareholders to between 4,5 and 5,0 billion USD through dividends and share repurchases».

Thompson continued, «McDonald´s commitment to enhancing the customer experience – from our menu and operations to our value and convenience – continues to move us closer to becoming our customers´ favourite place and way to eat and drink. Our philosophy on the use of capital remains unchanged with our first priority being to reinvest in our business to drive sales and cash flow, while generating strong returns. After these investment opportunities, we expect to return all of our free cash flow to shareholders over the long-term through dividends and share repurchases. Today´s dividend increase demonstrates the continued strength and sustainability of our cash flow and our commitment to enhancing shareholder value».

McDonald´s has raised its dividend each and every year since paying its first dividend in 1976. The new quarterly dividend of 0,81 USD per share is equivalent to 3,24 USD annually.

McDonald´s is the world´s leading global food service retailer with over 34’500 locations serving more than 69 million customers in more than 100 countries each day. More than 80 percent of McDonald´s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.