The next dividend is payable April 1 to shareholders of record as of March 14. Coca-Cola says raising the dividend to 30.5 cents from 28 cents reflects the confidence it has in its long-term cash flow.
The Atlanta company returned USD 9.8 billion to shareholders in 2013 through USD 5 billion in dividends and by buying back USD 4.8 billion in stock. It says it has returned USD 34.7 billion to shareholders since the start of 2010.
In addition to its namesake brand, Coca-Cola Co. Also sells Spite, Dasani water, Minute Maid orange juice, and Vitaminwater.