a.?For the three year period (in total), net cash provided by operations exceeded net cash used for investing activities and for the payment of dividends, although in 2007 net cash provided by operations was not sufficient to meet these payments, as follows (amounts in millions):

	2008	2007	2006	Total
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 7,571	$ 7,150	$ 5,957	$20,678
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,363)	(6,719)	(1,700)	(10,782)
Dividends paid	(3,521)	(3,149)	(2,911)	(9,581)
Net cash provided (used) by these items	$ 1,687	$(2,718)	$ 1,346	$    315

It should be noted from the above table that the trend in net cash flows for these key items would be difficult to properly assess without having an understanding of reasons for the large amount of cash used for investing activities in 2007. 

The trend in net cash provided by operations is positive and shows a steady growth pattern.  Likewise, the trend in dividends paid suggests that Coca Cola has taken good care of its shareholders by providing an adequate increase in dividend payments each year.