This dividend payer will satisfy you

Article Excerpt

The coronavirus outbreak in China has forced McDonald’s to temporarily close its 3,000-plus restaurants there. Assuming the virus’s spread continues to slow in China, the closures would have only a small impact on the company given that China supplies just 3% of its earnings. Meanwhile, McDonald’s plan to build long-term value by shifting more of its stores to franchisees continues to pay off for investors. Those gains have taken the form of share buybacks and higher dividends. The company’s plan to spur future sales with home delivery and artificial intelligence software should also let it continue to reward you. MCDONALD’S CORP. $210 is a buy. This original fast-food giant (New York symbol MCD; Income-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 745.4 million; Market cap: $156.5 billion; Dividend yield: 2.4%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.mcdonalds.com) creates value for investors through its 38,000 restaurants in 120 countries. The company has raised your dividend each year since 1976. Its latest increase came with the December 2019 quarterly payment when…