OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --On September 20, 2012, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock payable on December 17, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 3, 2012. This represents a 10% increase over the Company's previous quarterly dividend and brings the fourth quarter dividend payout to approximately $770 million.
McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Don Thompson said, "Today's announced dividend increase brings our 2012 expected total cash return to shareholders to at least $5.5 billion 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' favorite 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 our confidence in the long-term strength of our Brand 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 $0.77 per share is equivalent to $3.08 annually.
