stability of each bank and believe we can access the funds, if needed. 

Based on all of these factors, the Company believes its current liquidity position is strong, and we will continue to meet all of our financial commitments for the foreseeable future. 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $8,186 million, $7,571 million and $7,150 million, respectively. 

Cash flows from operating activities increased $615 million, or 8 percent, in 2009 compared to 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to lower tax payments, decreased payments to suppliers and vendors, and the receipt of a $183 million special dividend from Coca-Cola Hellenic. The special dividend received from Coca-Cola Hellenic was incremental to its normal quarterly dividend. We classified the receipt of this special dividend in cash flows from operating activities due to the fact that our cumulative equity in earnings from Coca-Cola Hellenic exceeded the cumulative distributions received; therefore, the special dividend was deemed to be a return on our investment and not a return of our investment. The impact of these items was partially offset by increased contributions to our pension plans. The increase in contributions to our pension plans was primarily due to the decline in fair value of our pension plan assets in 2008. The Company contributed approximately $269 million to our pension plans during the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to approximately $96 million during the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Cash flows from operating activities increased $421 million, or 6 percent, in 2008 compared to 2007. This increase was primarily attributable to increased cash collections from customers, driven by the 11 percent increase in net operating revenues. Refer to the heading "Operations Review — Net Operating Revenues." The impact of increased cash collections from customers was partially offset by increased payments to suppliers and vendors, increased payments for selling, general and administrative expenses and an increase in tax payments. The increase in payments to suppliers and vendors was primarily attributable to higher sales volume and increased marketing and advertising costs to support our brands. The increase in tax payments included payments associated with the agreement between the U.S. government and a foreign government. Refer to the heading "Operations Review — Income Taxes" and Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, the Company made approximately $224 million in payments related to streamlining activities and the costs of productivity initiatives during 2008. Refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

On May 26, 2008, the Company and the other defendants reached an agreement with the plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit C( arpenters Health & Welfare Fund of

Philadelphia & Vicinity v. The Coca-Cola Company, et al.) to settle the lawsuit for approximately $138 million, without admitting any wrongdoing. The settlement amount was covered by insurance and, therefore, the settlement had no