McDonald's nixes REIT, focuses on cutting costs, bigger cash payouts for investors

McDonald's Corp Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said at an investor meeting Tuesday that the company will not create a real estate investment trust, but would instead focus on cutting cost and increase cash payouts for investors.

According to Bloomberg Business, the world's biggest restaurant chain gave REIT serious consideration as investors believe it as a way to create more value that its massive property holdings have. Instead, the company decided to raise its quarterly dividend to 89 cents per share, which is a 5 percent increase. Easterbrook, who was recently appointed as the company's CEO in March, has given much effort to bring the fast-food chain out of a long-term sales decline. He aims to reduce overhead expenses by as much as $500 million per year. His efforts were complemented by an increase in US sales last month after seven years of seeing consistent quarterly declines.

"Our conclusion is that we don't believe it serves the best interests of shareholders to pursue a REIT at this time," said Easterbrook in a report by The Wall Street Journal. "The potential upside isn't compelling and the future value at risk too great."

The company's shares increased 0.3 percent to $113.22 in New York after the company rejected the REIT. Also, McDonald's stock is up 21 percent, due to the optimism brought by Easterbrook efforts to boost the chain back up from declines.

Reuters reported that executives at the company are looking for ways to attract more customers in their chains. One of the strategies they have initiated is the all-day breakfast in the US, which was launched in October 6. It is doing well so far, according to reports.

Company heads are also planning to change value menus and create more renovations. Breakfastarians are happy with the all-day breakfast expansions. McDonald's USA Presentation Milke Andres said all-day breakfast is their new growth project. The company also announced stepping up restaurant sales to those who want to franchise the chain.