Expect higher dividends from both of these

Article Excerpt

These two fast-food companies continue to expand in China and other international markets. We feel their strong brands will help them offset the impact of tariffs. That bodes well for more dividend increases. MCDONALD’S CORP. $318 is a buy. The company (New York symbol MCD; Income-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 715.1 million; Market cap: $227.4 billion; Dividend yield: 2.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.mcdonalds.com) is the world’s largest fast-food chain, with 43,477 restaurants in over 100 countries. It serves various foods but is best known for hamburgers and french fries. Franchisees now operate 95% of the company’s outlets. McDonald’s last raised your quarterly dividend with the December 2024 payment. Investors now receive $1.77 a share, up 6.0% from $1.67. The annual rate of $7.08 yields 2.2%. The company has now raised its annual dividend rate each year since 1976. In 2025, McDonald’s intends to open 2,200 stores worldwide, with 25% in the U.S. and the remainder in the company’s five largest international markets, including…