February 19, 2010 (FinancialWire) — The board of directors of The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) has approved the company’s 48th consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend approximately seven percent from 41 cents to 44 cents per common share.

The increase 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.

Georgia-based Coca-Cola offers more than 500 sparkling and still brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee.

The company serves consumers in more than 200 countries.

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