The Board of Directors of the Coca-Cola Company Increases Annual Dividend by 7 Percent
The Company's 48th Consecutive Annual Increase
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company today approved the Company's 48th consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend approximately 7 percent from 41 cents to 44 cents per common share. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.76 per share, up from $1.64 per share in 2009. The first quarterly dividend is payable April 1, 2010, to shareowners of record as of March 15, 2010.
The increase reflects the Board's confidence in the Company's long-term cash flow. The Company returned $5.3 billion to shareowners in 2009, through $3.8 billion in dividends and $1.5 billion in share repurchases.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 14 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
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Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released February 18, 2010