Since going public in 1965, McDonald's has paid twelve stock splits. In fact, an investment of $2,250 in 100 shares at that time, had grown to 74,360 shares worth approximately $4.6 million as of year-end market close on December 31, 2008.
McDonald's has raised its dividend each and every year since paying its first dividend in 1976. Given the substantial increase to the Company's dividend over the last several years, McDonald's Board of Directors has decided that beginning in 2008, dividends declared will be paid on a quarterly basis.
On September 24, 2009, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share of common stock payable on December 15, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009.