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Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company Approves 62nd Consecutive Annual Dividend Increase

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The Coca-Cola Company's Board of Directors approved the 62nd consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend by 5.4% to 48.5 cents per share. The annual dividend is now $1.94 per share, up from $1.84 in 2023. Shareowners will receive the first quarter dividend on April 1.
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  • 62nd consecutive annual dividend increase approved by The Coca-Cola Company's Board of Directors.
  • Quarterly dividend raised by 5.4% to 48.5 cents per share.
  • Annual dividend increased to $1.94 per share from $1.84 in 2023.
  • $8 billion returned to shareowners in dividends in 2023.
  • Total dividends paid to shareowners since Jan. 1, 2010, amount to $84.7 billion.
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The Coca-Cola Company's announcement of its 62nd consecutive annual dividend increase is a significant indicator of its financial health and commitment to shareholder returns. This increment of 5.4% in the quarterly dividend, from 46 cents to 48.5 cents per share, represents a strategic move to attract and retain investors, especially in a market where steady income streams are highly valued. The increase in the annual dividend from $1.84 to $1.94 per share underscores the company's confidence in its ability to generate consistent cash flows.

For stakeholders, this move could signal a robust financial position and a management team that prioritizes returning value to shareholders. It's also indicative of Coca-Cola's operational efficiency and its ability to maintain a stable payout ratio, which is a key metric that investors consider when evaluating the sustainability of dividends. The historical data provided, with $8 billion returned in dividends in 2023 and a total of $84.7 billion since 2010, demonstrates a long-term commitment to shareholder wealth. However, it's crucial to monitor the company's earnings to ensure that the dividend payments do not compromise future growth investments.

The decision by The Coca-Cola Company to increase its dividend is not only a reflection of its current financial stability but also a strategic move in terms of market positioning. Dividend increases are often used by established firms as a signal of strength to the market, potentially leading to a positive reaction in the stock price. It is a clear message to the market that the company expects to maintain or improve its profitability.

From a market research standpoint, this action could potentially affect the consumer staples sector by setting a benchmark for dividend growth. It may also influence competitor strategies, as other firms might consider adjusting their own dividend policies in response. The increase in dividend can be seen as a defensive move against market volatility, which is particularly pertinent given the economic uncertainties that have been prevalent. For investors, such consistency in dividend growth can be a deciding factor in portfolio allocations, especially for those focused on income-generating investments.

The increase in dividend payments by The Coca-Cola Company can be viewed through a macroeconomic lens as well. Dividend policy decisions are often influenced by broader economic conditions. In an environment where interest rates are fluctuating, a higher dividend yield can make a company's stock more attractive compared to fixed-income securities. This is particularly relevant in times of low-interest rates or when there is a forecast of economic downturns, as investors tend to gravitate towards stocks with stable and predictable returns.

Moreover, consistent dividend growth can be a bellwether for the overall economy, suggesting that consumer demand remains strong, given Coca-Cola's global presence in the beverages market. It also reflects the company's pricing power and ability to manage costs effectively in the face of inflationary pressures. Investors and analysts should consider these economic factors when assessing the long-term sustainability of Coca-Cola's dividend policy and its implications for the wider market.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company today approved the company’s 62nd consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend approximately 5.4% from 46 cents to 48.5 cents per common share.

The quarterly dividend is equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.94 per share, up from $1.84 per share in 2023. The first quarter dividend is payable April 1 to shareowners of record as of March 15.

The company returned $8 billion in dividends to shareowners in 2023, bringing the total amount of dividends paid to shareowners since Jan. 1, 2010, to $84.7 billion.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Investors and Analysts: Robin Halpern, koinvestorrelations@coca-cola.com

Media: Scott Leith, sleith@coca-cola.com

Source: The Coca-Cola Company

The new quarterly dividend amount approved by The Coca-Cola Company is 48.5 cents per common share.

Shareowners will receive the first quarter dividend on April 1.

The Coca-Cola Company returned $8 billion to shareowners in dividends in 2023.

The total amount of dividends paid to shareowners by The Coca-Cola Company since Jan. 1, 2010, is $84.7 billion.
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Soft Drink Manufacturing
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Consumer Non-Durables, Beverages: Non-Alcoholic, Manufacturing, Soft Drink Manufacturing
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Atlanta

About KO

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational corporation founded in 1892, best known as the producer of Coca-Cola. The drink industry company also manufactures, sells, and markets other non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups, and alcoholic beverages.