Fast-food chain McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) has been a big winner over the past decade. Shareholders enjoyed 185% gains in price and 275% gains in total returns if you include dividends. Ironically, the company's sales are 15% lower today than a decade ago.

So what gives? McDonald's has used its robust cash profits and balance sheet to shrink its share count and increase its share price. However, McDonald's might struggle to continue on this path. Here is what you should consider before buying the stock for your portfolio.

McDonald's is known for its outstanding dividend track record, which includes 47 consecutive increases and offers investors a solid 2.2% yield at the current share price. But McDonald's has leaned heavily on share repurchases over the years, buying its shares to take them off the market and reduce the number of outstanding shares.

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Source Fool.com