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McDonald's Corporation (MCD) FCF Payout Ratio: 74.49%

Is McDonald's Corporation’s FCF payout ratio high or low?

McDonald's Corporation's FCF payout ratio of 74.49% is in line with its 5-year average of 69.82%, near the high end of its 5-year range (55.18%–81.15%).

The FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD) is 74.49%. It is above its 12-month average by 3.34% (72.09%).

MCD FCF Payout Ratio Chart

MCD FCF Payout Ratio
71.18%-2.48% 1Y
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MCD Average FCF Payout Ratio Chart

MCD Current vs Average FCF Payout Ratio Chart

MCD FCF Payout Ratio Metrics

FCF PAYOUT RATIO

74.49%

FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG TTM

72.09%

FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 3Y

70.65%

FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 5Y

69.82%

FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 10Y

71.15%

FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 15Y

70.18%

FCF PAYOUT RATIO AVG 20Y

65.14%

CURRENT VS TTM AVG

+3.34%

CURRENT VS 3Y AVG

+5.43%

CURRENT VS 5Y AVG

+6.68%

CURRENT VS 10Y AVG

+4.70%

CURRENT VS 15Y AVG

+6.14%

CURRENT VS 20Y AVG

+14.36%

Payout Ratio Comparison

FCF Payout Ratio

74.5%

Earnings Payout Ratio

61.3%

Dividend Yield

2.60%

FCF Yield

3.50%

Annual FCF Payout Ratio History

YearFree Cash FlowDividends PaidFCF Payout Ratio
2025$7.19B$5.12B71.2%
2024$6.67B$4.87B73.0%
2023$7.25B$4.53B62.5%
2022$5.49B$4.17B76.0%
2021$7.10B$3.92B55.2%
2020$4.62B$3.75B81.2%
2019$5.73B$3.58B62.5%
2018$4.22B$3.26B77.1%
2017$3.70B$3.09B83.5%
2016$4.24B$3.06B72.2%
2015$4.73B$3.23B68.4%
2014$4.15B$3.22B77.6%
2013$4.30B$3.11B72.5%
2012$3.92B$2.90B74.0%
2011$4.42B$2.61B59.0%
2010$4.21B$2.41B57.3%
2009$3.80B$2.24B58.8%
2008$3.78B$1.82B48.2%
2007$2.93B$1.77B60.3%
2006$2.60B$1.22B46.8%
2005$2.73B$842.00M30.8%
2004$2.33B$695.00M29.8%
2003$1.59B$503.50M31.8%
2002$337.90M$297.40M88.0%
2001$450.50M$287.70M63.9%
2000$380.90M$280.70M73.7%
1999$800.40M$264.70M33.1%
1998$768.60M$240.50M31.3%
1997$217.50M$247.70M113.9%
1996($52.00M)$232.00MN/A (Loss)

Formula: FCF Payout Ratio = Dividends Paid / Free Cash Flow × 100

FCF payout and earnings payout:

  • FCF represents operating cash flow after capital expenditures
  • FCF payout compares dividends paid with free cash flow
  • FCF payout above 100% means dividends paid exceeded free cash flow for the period
  • Earnings payout compares dividends paid with net income

Reading the series: Use the chart and table to compare dividend payments with cash generation over time.

McDonald's Corporation FCF Payout Ratio Formula & Definition

FCF Payout Ratio measures what percentage of free cash flow is paid out as dividends. Unlike earnings-based payout, it compares dividends with cash generated after capital expenditures.

Expanded definitions: Investopedia, Wikipedia, Corporate Finance Institute

McDonald's Corporation FCF Payout Ratio FAQ

What is the FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 74.49%.
Is McDonald's Corporation's FCF payout ratio high or low?
McDonald's Corporation's FCF payout ratio of 74.49% is in line with its 5-year average of 69.82%, near the high end of its 5-year range (55.18%–81.15%).
What is the TTM average FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The TTM average FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 72.09%.
What is the 3Y average FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The 3Y average FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 70.65%.
What is the 5Y average FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The 5Y average FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 69.82%.
What is the 10Y average FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The 10Y average FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 71.15%.
What is the 15Y average FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The 15Y average FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 70.18%.
What is the 20Y average FCF payout ratio for McDonald's Corporation (MCD)?
The 20Y average FCF payout ratio for MCD stock is 65.14%.

McDonald's Corporation FCF Payout Ratio History

DATEFCF PAYOUT RATIO
2025-12-3171.18%
2024-12-3172.99%
2023-12-3162.48%
2022-12-3175.96%
2021-12-3155.18%
2020-12-3181.15%
2019-12-3162.53%
2018-12-3177.06%
2017-12-3183.55%
2016-12-3172.15%
2015-12-3168.36%
2014-12-3177.55%
2013-12-3172.50%
2012-12-3173.95%
2011-12-3159.04%
2010-12-3157.25%
2009-12-3158.85%
2008-12-3148.22%
2007-12-3160.27%
2006-12-3146.80%
2005-12-3130.84%
2004-12-3129.77%
2003-12-3131.75%
2002-12-3188.01%
2001-12-3163.86%
2000-12-3173.69%
1999-12-3133.07%
1998-12-3131.29%
1997-12-31113.89%

About McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's Corporation operates and licenses its renowned fast-food chain worldwide, with a significant presence in both the United States and international markets. Their comprehensive menu offers classic items like hamburgers and cheeseburgers, a variety of chicken options including sandwiches and nuggets, alongside lighter choices such as wraps, french fries, and salads. For breakfast, patrons can select from offerings like biscuit and bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hotcakes. Additionally, the company provides oatmeal, an assortment of desserts including milkshakes, sundaes, and soft-serve ice cream, plus a selection of baked goods. A wide array of soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages completes their offering. By December 31, 2021, the corporation's global network encompassed 40,031 establishments. McDonald's Corporation, founded in 1940, has its main corporate office located in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago, IL
150,000 employees
Consumer Cyclical / Restaurants
Sector
Consumer Cyclical
Industry
Restaurants
CEO
Christopher J. Kempczinski