McDonald’s (MCD) Stock May Trade Near Fair Value Following Dividend Raise

McDonald's stock has fallen about 20% year to date, even as the fast food giant raises its dividend and refreshes leadership in its key U.S. business. That puts fresh focus on a simple question for investors: Is the current share price in line with what the restaurant chain's cash flows can support over time? The roughly 20% year to date decline resets expectations around McDonald's and puts more weight on whether the cash it generates can justify today's valuation. The higher quarterly dividend of US$1.93 and new U.S. division president signal a commitment to cash returns and an effort to address weaker traffic, which can influence both the level and stability of future cash flows. Prefer to judge McDonald's on earnings? See why McDonald's's 19.