McDonald's $MCD has officially joined the dividend kings👑

The board approved a 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $1.93 per share, marking the company's 50th consecutive year of increasing payouts.

On an annualized basis, shareholders will receive $7.72 per share. The new dividend will be paid on December 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1.

Dividend king status in the United States is held by fewer than 60 publicly traded companies that have increased their annual dividend for at least 50 consecutive years.

The stability of $MCD payouts is primarily driven by its business model.

About 95% of the more than 45,000 restaurants in over 100 countries are operated by independent franchisees, so McDonald's mainly collects rent and licensing fees. Such income is significantly less sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices and wages than operating company-owned restaurants and provides predictable free cash flow.

Do you have the company in your portfolio? I bought shares earlier this week.