Coca-Cola (KO) DIvidends Date & History

Key Takeaways

• Coca-Cola (KO) offers a current dividend yield of approximately 2.8%, with an annual payout of $2.12 per share.
• The company boasts a remarkable 64-year consecutive dividend growth streak, qualifying it as a Dividend King.
• Quarterly dividends of $0.53 per share, paid consistently, with the latest ex-dividend date on March 13, 2026, and payment on April 1, 2026.
• Payout ratio around 67% indicates solid earnings coverage for dividend sustainability.
• Strong free cash flow generation supports ongoing payments, despite temporary 2025 pressures from one-time items.
• Reliable choice for income-focused investors seeking stability in the beverage sector.

Dividend Overview

The Coca-Cola Company (KO), a global beverage leader, maintains a robust dividend policy characterized by quarterly payments and a commitment to annual increases. Currently, it pays $0.53 per share quarterly, equating to an annual dividend of $2.12 and a yield of about 2.8%. This positions KO as a dividend growth stock rather than a high-yield play, appealing to investors prioritizing consistency over maximum income. With a history of reliable payouts backed by iconic brands and worldwide distribution, Coca-Cola's dividend profile underscores its status as a cornerstone for long-term portfolios. The most recent ex-dividend date was March 13, 2026, with payment on April 1, 2026.

Dividend History and Growth

Coca-Cola has raised its dividend for 64 consecutive years, earning its Dividend King designation—a rare achievement among public companies. Recent history shows steady progression: from $0.485 quarterly in 2024 to $0.51 in much of 2025, and $0.53 in 2026, reflecting about 4-5% annual growth. Over the past five years, dividend growth has averaged 4.46% annually, with no cuts even amid economic challenges. This long-term strategy prioritizes shareholder returns while funding global expansion, solidifying KO's reputation for dependable income.

Dividend Sustainability and Payout Ratio

Coca-Cola's dividend sustainability is underpinned by a payout ratio of approximately 67%, leaving ample room for reinvestment and growth. Earnings comfortably cover dividends at over 1.5x, supported by strong operating margins around 30%. In 2025, free cash flow (FCF) totaled $5.3 billion after a one-time $6.1 billion fairlife payment, but adjusted FCF reached $11.4 billion—well above the $8.8 billion dividend outlay. Debt-to-equity stands at about 1.4, manageable with investment-grade ratings and interest coverage exceeding 8x. Management projects $12.2 billion FCF in 2026, affirming the payout's security.

Dividend Compared to Industry Peers

In the beverage sector, Coca-Cola's 2.8% yield is competitive but trails PepsiCo's (PEP) roughly 3.6%. Non-dividend payers like Monster Beverage (MNST) focus on growth, while Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) yields around 2.5%. KO's superior streak (64 years vs. PEP's 54) and lower payout ratio (67% vs. higher for peers) highlight its conservative profile. Amid industry averages near 2-3%, Coca-Cola's consistency stands out for stability seekers, though peers like PEP offer higher immediate income.

AI Screener

Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. It excels at identifying dividend stocks, income-focused investments, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Explore the AI Screener to uncover hidden gems tailored to your strategy.

Is This Stock Attractive for Dividend Investors?

Coca-Cola (KO) suits conservative dividend growth investors valuing unwavering reliability over high yields. Its 64-year streak and moderate 2.8% yield appeal to those building portfolios for steady compounding, particularly retirees or institutions prioritizing capital preservation. Income seekers may find it less exciting compared to higher-yielding peers, but the asset-light model—generating robust FCF from global brands—ensures resilience across cycles. For long-term holders, KO offers defensive qualities in consumer staples, with low beta and inflation-hedging potential via pricing power. Balanced against modest growth (4-5% annually), it fits buy-and-hold strategies but may underperform in high-growth environments. Overall, its profile favors patient investors focused on sustainability rather than aggressive income or rapid appreciation.

Disclaimer

The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer. Disclaimers and Limitations