McDonald’s Corporation (MCD): Among Top Performers with 10x Return Since Joining Dividend Aristocrats

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is included among the 11 Best Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Invest in Now.

A cook in a busy kitchen assembling cheeseburgers for orders.

The stock is among the select group of constituents that have delivered a total return of at least 10 times since the S&P Dividend Aristocrats Index was launched. From May 2005 to May 2025, it posted a cumulative return of 1,735%, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%.

In the first quarter of 2025, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)’s global comparable sales declined by 1.0%. However, when adjusted for the extra Leap Day in the prior year, sales were effectively unchanged. Systemwide sales to loyalty program members across 60 markets exceeded $31 billion over the past twelve months, with approximately $8 billion generated in the first quarter alone.

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has remained committed to its shareholders’ value, growing its payouts for 48 consecutive years. Its quarterly dividend comes in at $1.77 per share for a dividend yield of 2.43%, as of June 27.

While we acknowledge the potential of MCD as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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