Why McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Deserves a Spot Among the Top Food Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is included among the 14 Best Food Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has come a long way from its early days as a small burger stand in Southern California. Today, it’s a global icon with more than 44,000 restaurants spread across over 100 countries — a scale few brands have ever matched.

In tougher economic times, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) often finds itself in a stronger position. When people start tightening their budgets, the company’s value meals become an easy choice. It has been leaning into that trend again, putting affordability front and center on its menu, and customers seem to be responding.

Looking ahead, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is planning to invest heavily in artificial intelligence. The goal is to use AI to sharpen efficiency and make its already-successful franchise model even more profitable. With operating margins comfortably above 45% and per-share earnings up 12% in the latest quarter, the company looks well placed to keep raising its dividend payouts.

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) already holds a 48-year track record of consistent dividend growth. This means that the company is just two years away from becoming a Dividend King. Its quarterly dividend currently sits at $1.77 per share for a dividend yield of 2.35%, as of October 5.

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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Disclosure: None.