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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                               to                                

Commission File No. 1-2217


LOGO

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  58-0628465
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

One Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta, Georgia

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

30313
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (404) 676-2121

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered

COMMON STOCK, $0.25 PAR VALUE   NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None


        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ý    No o

        The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (assuming for these purposes, but without conceding, that all executive officers and Directors are "affiliates" of the Registrant) as of June 30, 2004, was $105,498,951,553 (based on the closing sale price of the Registrant's Common Stock on that date as reported on the New York Stock Exchange).

        The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock as of February 28, 2005 was 2,410,089,440.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on April 19, 2005, are incorporated by reference in Part III.





Table of Contents

 
   
  Page
Part I        

Item 1.

 

Business

 

1
Item 2.   Properties   13
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings   13
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   17
Item X.   Executive Officers of the Company   17

Part II

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

20
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data   22
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   24
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   59
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   60
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   121
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures   121
Item 9B.   Other Information   121

Part III

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

122
Item 11.   Executive Compensation   122
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   122
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   122
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services   122

Part IV

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

123

 

 

Signatures

 

129


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

        The Coca-Cola Company is the largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups in the world. Finished beverage products bearing our trademarks, sold in the United States since 1886, are now sold in more than 200 countries and include the leading soft drink products in most of these countries. In this report, the terms "Company," "we," "us" or "our" mean The Coca-Cola Company and all subsidiaries included in our consolidated financial statements.

        Our business is nonalcoholic beverages—principally carbonated soft drinks, but also a variety of noncarbonated beverages. We manufacture beverage concentrates and syrups as well as some finished beverages, which we sell to bottling and canning operations, distributors, fountain wholesalers and some fountain retailers. We also produce, market and distribute juices and juice drinks and certain water products. In addition, we have ownership interests in numerous bottling and canning operations.

        We were incorporated in September 1919 under the laws of the State of Delaware, and succeeded to the business of a Georgia corporation with the same name that had been organized in 1892.

        Our Company is one of numerous competitors in the commercial beverages market. Of the approximately 50 billion beverage servings of all types consumed worldwide every day, beverages bearing trademarks owned by or licensed to us (hereinafter referred to as "our trademarks") account for approximately 1.3 billion.

        We believe that our success depends on our ability to connect with consumers by providing them a wide variety of choices to meet their desires, needs and lifestyle choices. It further depends on the ability of our people to execute effectively, every day.

        Our goal is to use our Company's assets—our brands, financial strength, unrivaled distribution system and the strong commitment of management and employees—to become more competitive and to accelerate growth in a manner that creates value for our shareowners. Our Company has identified certain principal short-term areas of focus designed to accelerate growth:

        The Company's operating structure includes the following operating segments, the first five of which are sometimes referred to as strategic business units:

        This structure is the basis for our Company's internal financial reporting. The North America operating segment includes the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. During the first quarter of 2002, the Egypt Region

1



was reclassified from the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment to the Africa operating segment. During 2004, certain departments were reclassified from the North America operating segment to the Corporate operating segment.

        At the date of this report, the heads of the strategic business units are as follows: Donald R. Knauss (North America), Alexander B. Cummings, Jr. (Africa), Mary E. Minnick (Asia), A.R.C. "Sandy" Allan (Europe, Eurasia and Middle East) and José Octavio Reyes (Latin America). See "Item X.—Executive Officers of the Company." The heads of the strategic business units report to E. Neville Isdell, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

        Except to the extent that differences between operating segments are material to an understanding of our business taken as a whole, the description of our business in this report is presented on a consolidated basis.

        In the following table, prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Unless we indicate otherwise, all references in this report to "$" mean U.S. dollars. Information about our Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, by operating segment, is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

    North
America

  Africa
  Asia
  Europe, Eurasia
and Middle East

  Latin America
  Corporate
  Consolidated
 
Net operating revenues                              
  2004   $  6,643   $  1,067   $  4,691   $  7,195   $  2,123   $   243   $  21,962  
  2003   6,344   827   5,052   6,556   2,042   223   21,044  
  2002   6,264   684   5,054   5,262   2,089   211   19,564  

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  2004   $  1,606   $     340   $  1,758   $  1,898   $  1,069   $  (973 ) $    5,698  
  2003   1,282   249   1,690   1,908   970   (878 ) 5,221  
  2002   1,531   224   1,820   1,612   1,033   (762 ) 5,458  

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  2004   $  1,629   $     337   $  1,841   $  1,916   $  1,270   $  (771 ) $    6,222  
  2003   1,326   249   1,740   1,921   975   (716 ) 5,495  
  2002   1,552   187   1,848   1,540   1,081   (709 ) 5,499  

Unit case volume growth rate (2004 vs. 2003)

 

0

%

3

%

5

%

0

%

3

%


 

2

%

        For additional financial information about our operating segments and geographic areas, refer to Notes 1 and 19 to the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this report, incorporated herein by reference.

        Our Company manufactures and sells beverage concentrates (sometimes referred to as beverage bases) and syrups, including fountain syrups. We also manufacture and sell some finished beverages, both carbonated and noncarbonated, including certain juice and juice-drink products and water products.

        As used in this report:

2


        We sell the concentrates and syrups for bottled and canned beverages to authorized bottling and canning operations. In addition to concentrates and syrups for soft drink products and flavored noncarbonated beverages, we also sell concentrates for purified water products such as Dasani to authorized bottling operations.

        Authorized bottlers or canners either combine our syrup with carbonated water or combine our concentrate with sweetener (depending on the product), water and carbonated water to produce finished soft drinks. The finished soft drinks are packaged in authorized containers bearing our trademarks—such as cans, refillable and non-refillable glass and plastic bottles ("bottle/can products")—and are then sold to retailers ("bottle/can retailers") or, in some cases, wholesalers.

        For our fountain products in the United States, we manufacture fountain syrups and sell them to authorized fountain wholesalers and some fountain retailers. For fountain retailers that have multiple outlets such as quick serve restaurants, often called "chain" accounts, we typically sell fountain syrups to the chain retailers directly, with fountain wholesalers or bottlers delivering and billing on our behalf for a fee. For fountain retailers that are not part of a chain, the retailers typically purchase fountain syrups from fountain wholesalers (including certain bottlers) that purchase the syrups from our Company. These wholesalers are authorized to sell the Company's fountain syrups by a nonexclusive appointment from us that neither restricts us in setting the prices at which we sell fountain syrups to the wholesaler, nor restricts the territory in which the wholesaler may resell in the United States. Outside the United States, fountain syrups typically are manufactured by authorized bottlers from concentrates sold to them by the Company. The bottlers then typically sell the fountain syrups to wholesalers or directly to fountain retailers.

        Finished beverages manufactured by us include a variety of carbonated and noncarbonated beverages. Most of these finished beverages and certain water products are sold by us to authorized bottlers or distributors, who in turn sell these products to retailers or, in some cases, wholesalers. Both directly and through a network of business partners, including certain Coca-Cola bottlers, Company-manufactured juice and juice-drink products and certain water products are sold by us to retailers and wholesalers in the United States and numerous other countries.

        The Company's beverage products include bottled and canned beverages produced by independent and Company-owned bottling and canning operations, as well as concentrates, syrups and some not-ready-to-drink powder products. Our beverage products include Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Classic, caffeine free Coca-Cola, caffeine free Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke (sold under the trademark Coca-Cola Light in many countries other than the United States), caffeine free Diet Coke, Diet Coke with Lemon, Coca-Cola with Lime, Diet Coke with Lime, Vanilla Coke, Diet Vanilla Coke, Cherry Coke, Diet Cherry Coke, Coca-Cola C2, Fanta brand soft drinks, Sprite, Diet Sprite Zero/Sprite Zero (sold under the trademark Sprite Light in many countries other than the United States), Sprite Remix, Pibb Xtra, Mello Yello, TAB, Fresca, Barq's root beer and other flavors, Citra, POWERade, Minute Maid flavors, Aquarius, Sokenbicha, Ciel, Bonaqa, Bonaqua, Dasani, Lift, Thums Up, Kinley, Pop, Eight O'Clock, Qoo, Full Throttle, other products developed for specific countries (including

3



Georgia brand ready-to-drink coffees) and numerous other brands. In many countries (excluding the United States, among others), our Company's beverage products also include Schweppes, Canada Dry, Dr Pepper and Crush. Our Company produces, distributes and markets juice and juice-drink products including Minute Maid juices and juice drinks, Simply Orange orange juice, Odwalla super premium juices and drinks, Five Alive refreshment beverages, Bacardi tropical fruit mixers (manufactured and marketed under a license from Bacardi & Company Limited) and Hi-C ready-to-serve fruit drinks. Beverage Partners Worldwide, the Company's 50 percent-owned joint venture with Nestlé S.A., markets ready-to-drink teas and coffees in certain countries. Our Company is the exclusive master distributor of Evian bottled water in the United States and Canada. In addition, CCDA Waters, L.L.C. ("CCDA"), a 51 percent-owned consolidated subsidiary, manufactures and markets Dannon, Sparkletts and other water brands in the United States under a license from Group Danone.

        Consumer demand determines the optimal menu of Company product offerings. Consumer demand can vary from one locale to another and can change over time within a single locale. Employing our business strategy, and with special focus on core brands, our Company seeks to build its existing brands and, at the same time, to broaden its historical family of brands, products and services in order to create and satisfy consumer demand locale by locale.

        Our Company introduced a variety of new brands, brand extensions and products in 2004. Among numerous examples, we introduced Diet Coke with Lime in Australia, New Zealand and North America and Coca-Cola C2 in Japan and North America. In China, we launched Sprite Icy Mint. In Germany, we launched Fanta Citrell, the first mid-calorie soft drink available throughout that country. In Finland and Sweden, we repositioned Fanta Light as Fanta Free. In Mexico, we launched Fanta Naranja Chamoy, a unique beverage featuring the taste of a popular Mexican sweet chili. And in New Zealand, we introduced Aqua Shot, a new active water with a refreshing shot of fruit flavor and a boost of essential vitamins. In addition, we extended the rebranding of Diet Sprite to Diet Sprite Zero/Sprite Zero, which began in Greece in 2002, to now include a total of 23 countries, including the United States.

        During 2004, we acquired ownership or license rights for a number of brands, including the Bistra brand in Croatia, the Cepita brand in Argentina, the Joya brand in Mexico and the Nada brand in Bahrain.

        Our Company measures sales volume in two ways: (1) gallons and (2) unit cases of finished products. "Gallons" is a unit of measurement for concentrates (sometimes referred to as beverage bases), syrups, finished beverages and powders (in all cases, expressed in equivalent gallons of syrup) for all beverage products which are reportable as unit case volume. Most of our revenues are based on this measure of primarily "wholesale" activity. We also measure volume in unit cases. As used in this report, "unit case" means a unit of measurement equal to 192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage (24 eight-ounce servings); and "unit case volume" of the Company means the number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of Company trademark or licensed beverage products directly or indirectly sold by the Coca-Cola bottling system or by the Company to customers. Unit case volume primarily consists of beverage products bearing Company trademarks. Also included in unit case volume are certain products licensed to our Company, or brands owned by Coca-Cola system bottlers for which our Company provides marketing support and from which it derives income from the sales. Such products licensed to our Company or owned by Coca-Cola system bottlers account for a minimal portion of total unit case volume. Although most of our Company's revenues are not based directly on unit case volume, we believe unit case volume is one of the measures of the underlying strength of the Coca-Cola system because it measures trends at the consumer level. The unit case volume numbers used in this report are based on estimates received by the Company from its bottling partners and distributors. Gallon sales and unit case volume are not necessarily equal during any given period. Items such as seasonality, bottlers' inventory practices, supply point changes, timing of price increases and new product introductions can create differences between gallon sales and unit case volume.

        In 2004, concentrates and syrups for beverages bearing the trademark "Coca-Cola" or including the trademark "Coke" accounted for approximately 56 percent of the Company's total gallon sales.

4



        In 2004, gallon sales in the United States ("U.S. gallon sales") represented approximately 28 percent of the Company's worldwide gallon sales. Approximately 59 percent of U.S. gallon sales for 2004 was attributable to sales of beverage concentrates and syrups to 79 authorized bottler ownership groups in 393 licensed territories. Those bottlers prepare and sell finished beverages bearing our trademarks for the food store and vending machine distribution channels and for other distribution channels supplying products for home and immediate consumption. Approximately 33 percent of 2004 U.S. gallon sales was attributable to fountain syrups sold to fountain retailers and to 525 authorized fountain wholesalers, some of which are authorized bottlers. The remaining approximately 8 percent of 2004 U.S. gallon sales was attributable to sales by the Company of finished beverages, including juice and juice-drink products and certain water products. Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., including its bottling subsidiaries and divisions ("CCE"), accounted for approximately 52 percent of the Company's U.S. gallon sales in 2004. At December 31, 2004, our Company held an ownership interest of approximately 36 percent in CCE, which is the world's largest bottler of Company Trademark Beverages.

        In 2004, gallon sales outside the United States represented approximately 72 percent of the Company's worldwide gallon sales. The countries outside the United States in which our gallon sales were the largest in 2004 were Mexico, Brazil, Japan and China, which together accounted for approximately 26 percent of our worldwide gallon sales. Approximately 91 percent of non-U.S. unit case volume for 2004 was attributable to sales of beverage concentrates and syrups to authorized bottlers in 544 licensed territories, together with sales by the Company of finished beverages other than juice and juice-drink products. Approximately 6 percent of 2004 non-U.S. unit case volume was attributable to fountain syrups. The remaining approximately 3 percent of 2004 non-U.S. unit case volume was attributable to juice and juice-drink products.

        In addition to conducting our own independent advertising and marketing activities, we may provide promotional and marketing services and/or funds and consultation to our bottlers. In most cases, we do this on a discretionary basis under the terms of commitment letters or agreements, even though we are not obligated to do so under the terms of the bottling or distribution agreements between our Company and the bottlers. Also, on a discretionary basis in most cases, the Company may develop and introduce new products, packages and equipment to assist its bottlers. Likewise, in many instances we provide promotional and marketing services and/or funds and/or dispensing equipment and repair services to fountain and bottle/can retailers, typically pursuant to marketing agreements. The aggregate amount of funds provided by our Company to bottlers, resellers, vendors or customers of our Company's products, principally for participation in sales promotion programs and volume-based incentives, was approximately $3.6 billion in 2004.

        Separate contracts ("Bottler's Agreements") exist between our Company and each of our bottling partners regarding the manufacture and sale of soft drinks. Subject to specified terms and conditions and certain variations, the Bottler's Agreements generally authorize the bottlers to prepare particularly specified Company Trademark Beverages, to package the same in particular authorized containers, and to distribute and sell the same in (but, subject to applicable local law, generally only in) an identified territory. The bottler is obligated to purchase its entire requirement of concentrates or syrups for the designated Company Trademark Beverages from the Company or Company-authorized suppliers. We typically agree to refrain from selling or distributing or from authorizing third parties to sell or distribute the designated Company Trademark Beverages throughout the identified territory in the particular authorized containers; however, we typically reserve for ourselves or our designee the right (1) to prepare and package such beverages in such containers in the territory for sale outside the territory and (2) to prepare, package, distribute and sell such beverages in the territory in any other manner or form. Territorial restrictions on bottlers vary in some cases in accordance with local law.

        The Bottler's Agreements between us and our authorized bottlers in the United States differ in certain respects from those in the other countries in which Company Trademark Beverages are sold. As further discussed below, the principal differences involve the duration of the agreements; the inclusion or exclusion of canned beverage production rights; the inclusion or exclusion of authorizations to manufacture and distribute

5



fountain syrups; in some cases, the degree of flexibility on the part of the Company to determine the pricing of syrups and concentrates; and the extent, if any, of the Company's obligation to provide marketing support.

        Outside the United States.    The Bottler's Agreements between us and our authorized bottlers outside the United States generally are of stated duration, subject in some cases to possible extensions or renewals of the term of the contract. Generally, these contracts are subject to termination by the Company following the occurrence of certain designated events. These events include defined events of default and certain changes in ownership or control of the bottler.

        In certain parts of the world outside the United States, we have not granted comprehensive beverage production rights to the bottlers. In such instances, we or our authorized suppliers sell Company Trademark Beverages to the bottlers for sale and distribution throughout the designated territory, often on a nonexclusive basis. A majority of the Bottler's Agreements in force between us and bottlers outside the United States authorize the bottlers to manufacture and distribute fountain syrups, usually on a nonexclusive basis.

        Our Company generally has complete flexibility to determine the price and other terms of sale of the concentrates and syrups we sell to bottlers outside the United States. In some instances, however, we have agreed or may in the future agree with the bottler with respect to concentrate pricing on a prospective basis for specified time periods. Outside the United States, in most cases, we have no obligation to provide marketing support to the bottlers. Nevertheless, we may, at our discretion, contribute toward bottler expenditures for advertising and marketing. We may also elect to undertake independent or cooperative advertising and marketing activities.

        Within the United States.    In the United States, with certain very limited exceptions, the Bottler's Agreements for Coca-Cola and other cola-flavored beverages have no stated expiration date. Our standard contracts for other soft drink flavors and for noncarbonated beverages are of stated duration, subject to bottler renewal rights. The Bottler's Agreements in the United States are subject to termination by the Company for nonperformance or upon the occurrence of certain defined events of default that may vary from contract to contract. The "1987 Contract," described below, is terminable by the Company upon the occurrence of certain events including:

        Under the terms of the Bottler's Agreements, bottlers in the United States are authorized to manufacture and distribute Company Trademark Beverages in bottles and cans. However, these bottlers generally are not authorized to manufacture fountain syrups. Rather, as described above, our Company manufactures and sells fountain syrups to authorized fountain wholesalers (including certain authorized bottlers) and some fountain retailers. These wholesalers in turn sell the syrups or deliver them on our behalf to restaurants and other retailers.

        In the United States, the form of Bottler's Agreement for cola-flavored soft drinks that covers the largest amount of U.S. volume (the "1987 Contract") gives us complete flexibility to determine the price and other terms of sale of soft drink concentrates and syrups for cola-flavored Company Trademark Beverages ("Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages") and other Company Trademark Beverages. In some instances, we have agreed or may in the future agree with the bottler with respect to concentrate pricing on a prospective basis for specified time periods. Bottlers operating under the 1987 Contract accounted for approximately 89 percent of our Company's total U.S. gallon sales for bottled and canned beverages, excluding direct sales by the Company of juice and juice-drink products and other finished beverages ("U.S. bottle/can gallon sales") in 2004. Certain

6



other forms of U.S. Bottler's Agreements, entered into prior to 1987, provide for soft drink concentrates or syrups for certain Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages to be priced pursuant to a stated formula. The oldest such form of contract, applicable to bottlers accounting for approximately 1 percent of U.S. bottle/can gallon sales in 2004, provides for a fixed price for Coca-Cola syrup used in bottles and cans. This price is subject to quarterly adjustments to reflect changes in the quoted price of sugar. Bottlers accounting for the remaining approximately 10 percent of U.S. bottle/can gallon sales in 2004 have contracts for certain Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages with pricing formulas that generally provide for a baseline price. This baseline price may be adjusted periodically by the Company, up to a maximum indexed ceiling price, and is adjusted quarterly based upon changes in certain sugar or sweetener prices, as applicable.

        We have standard contracts with bottlers in the United States for the sale of concentrates and syrups for non-cola-flavored soft drinks and certain noncarbonated beverages in bottles and cans; and in certain cases for the sale of finished noncarbonated beverages in bottles and cans. All of these standard contracts give the Company complete flexibility to determine the price and other terms of sale.

        Under the 1987 Contract and most of our other standard soft drink and noncarbonated beverage contracts with bottlers in the United States, our Company has no obligation to participate with bottlers in expenditures for advertising and marketing. Nevertheless, at our discretion we may contribute toward such expenditures and undertake independent or cooperative advertising and marketing activities. Some U.S. Bottler's Agreements that predate the 1987 Contract impose certain marketing obligations on us with respect to certain Company Trademark Beverages.

        The Company's ability to exercise its contractual flexibility to determine the price and other terms of sale of its syrups, concentrates and finished beverages under various agreements described above is subject, both outside and within the United States, to competitive market conditions.

        Our Company maintains business relationships with three types of bottlers:

        In 2004, independently owned bottling operations produced and distributed approximately 25 percent of our worldwide unit case volume. We have equity positions in 48 unconsolidated bottling, canning and distribution operations for our products worldwide. These cost or equity method investees produced and distributed approximately 58 percent of our worldwide unit case volume in 2004. Controlled and consolidated bottling operations produced and distributed approximately 7 percent of our worldwide unit case volume in 2004. The remaining approximately 10 percent of our worldwide unit case volume in 2004 was produced and distributed by our fountain operations plus our juice, juice drink, sports drink and other finished beverage operations.

        We make equity investments in selected bottling operations with the intention of maximizing the strength and efficiency of the Coca-Cola system's production, distribution and marketing systems around the world. These investments are intended to result in increases in unit case volume, net revenues and profits at the bottler level, which in turn generate increased gallon sales for our Company's concentrate business. When this occurs, both we and our bottling partners benefit from long-term growth in volume, improved cash flows and increased shareowner value.

        The level of our investment generally depends on the bottler's capital structure and its available resources at the time of the investment. Historically, in certain situations, we have viewed it as advantageous to acquire a controlling interest in a bottling operation, often on a temporary basis. Owning such a controlling interest has allowed us to compensate for limited local resources and has enabled us to help focus the bottler's sales and

7



marketing programs and assist in the development of the bottler's business and information systems and the establishment of appropriate capital structures.

        In line with our long-term bottling strategy, we may periodically consider options for reducing our ownership interest in a bottler. One such option is to combine our bottling interests with the bottling interests of others to form strategic business alliances. Another option is to sell our interest in a bottling operation to one of our equity investee bottlers. In both of these situations, our Company continues to participate in the bottler's results of operations through our share of the equity investee's earnings or losses.

        In cases where our investments in bottlers represent noncontrolling interests, our intention is to provide expertise and resources to strengthen those businesses.

        Significant investees that we account for by the equity method include the following:

        Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.    Our ownership interest in CCE was approximately 36 percent at December 31, 2004. CCE is the world's largest bottler of the Company's beverage products. In 2004, sales of concentrates, syrups and finished products by the Company to CCE were approximately $5.2 billion. CCE estimates that the territories in which it markets beverage products to retailers (which include portions of 46 states and the District of Columbia in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, continental France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and Monaco) contain approximately 79 percent of the United States population, 98 percent of the population of Canada, and 100 percent of the populations of Great Britain, continental France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and Monaco.

        Excluding products in fountain form, in 2004, approximately 63 percent of the unit case volume of CCE was Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages, 31 percent of its unit case volume was other Company Trademark Beverages and 6 percent of its unit case volume was beverage products of other companies. CCE's net operating revenues were approximately $18.2 billion in 2004.

        Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V. ("Coca-Cola FEMSA").    Our ownership interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA was approximately 40 percent at December 31, 2004. Coca-Cola FEMSA is a Mexican holding company with bottling subsidiaries in a substantial part of central Mexico, including Mexico City and southeastern Mexico; greater São Paulo, Campinas, Santos, the state of Matto Grosso do Sul and part of the state of Goias in Brazil; central Guatemala; most of Colombia; all of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela; and greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. Coca-Cola FEMSA estimates that the territories in which it markets beverage products contain approximately 46 percent of the population of Mexico, 15 percent of the population of Brazil, 98 percent of the population of Colombia, 38 percent of the population of Guatemala, 100 percent of the populations of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela and 30 percent of the population of Argentina.

        In 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA's net sales of beverage products were approximately $4.0 billion. In 2004, approximately 61 percent of the unit case volume of Coca-Cola FEMSA was Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages, 31 percent of its unit case volume was other Company Trademark Beverages and 8 percent of its unit case volume was beverage products of Coca-Cola FEMSA or other companies.

        Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. ("Coca-Cola HBC").    At December 31, 2004, our ownership interest in Coca-Cola HBC was approximately 24 percent. Coca-Cola HBC has bottling and distribution rights, through direct ownership or joint ventures, in Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine. Coca-Cola HBC estimates that the territories in which it markets beverage products contain approximately 67 percent of the population of Italy and 100 percent of the populations of the other countries named above in which Coca-Cola HBC has bottling and distribution rights.

        In 2004, Coca-Cola HBC's net sales of beverage products were approximately $5.2 billion. In 2004, approximately 48 percent of the unit case volume of Coca-Cola HBC was Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages,

8



approximately 45 percent of its unit case volume was other Company Trademark Beverages and approximately 7 percent of its unit case volume was beverage products of Coca-Cola HBC or other companies.

        Coca-Cola Amatil Limited ("Coca-Cola Amatil").    At December 31, 2004, our Company's ownership interest in Coca-Cola Amatil was approximately 34 percent. Coca-Cola Amatil has bottling and distribution rights, through direct ownership or joint ventures, in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and South Korea. Coca-Cola Amatil estimates that the territories in which it markets beverage products contain approximately 100 percent of the populations of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Korea and Papua New Guinea, and 98 percent of the population of Indonesia.

        In 2004, Coca-Cola Amatil's net sales of beverage products were approximately $2.6 billion. In 2004, approximately 54 percent of the unit case volume of Coca-Cola Amatil was Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages, approximately 38 percent of its unit case volume was other Company Trademark Beverages, approximately 8 percent of its unit case volume was beverage products of Coca-Cola Amatil and less than 1 percent of its unit case volume was beverage products of other companies.

        Other Interests.    We own a 50 percent interest in a joint venture with Nestlé S.A. ("Nestlé") and certain of its subsidiaries that is focused upon the ready-to-drink tea and coffee businesses. The joint venture, known as Beverage Partners Worldwide ("BPW"), currently has sales in the United States and 59 other countries. BPW serves as the exclusive vehicle through which our Company and Nestlé participate in the ready-to-drink tea and coffee businesses, except in Japan. BPW markets ready-to-drink tea products primarily under the Nestea, Belté, Yang Guang, Nagomi, Heaven and Earth, Funchum, Frestea, Ten Ren and Tian Tey trademarks, and ready-to-drink coffee products primarily under the Nescafé, Taster's Choice and Georgia Club trademarks.

        In July 2002, our Company and Danone Waters of North America, Inc. ("DWNA") formed a new company, CCDA, for the production, marketing and distribution of DWNA's bottled spring and source water business in the United States. In forming CCDA, DWNA contributed assets including five production facilities, a license for the use of the Dannon and Sparkletts brands, and ownership of several value brands. Our Company made a cash payment to acquire a controlling 51 percent equity interest in CCDA and is also providing marketing, distribution and management expertise. The results of CCDA's operations have been included in our Company's consolidated financial statements since July 2002. The Company is in discussions with Group Danone regarding a possible restructuring of the CCDA relationship.

Seasonality

        Sales of our ready-to-drink nonalcoholic beverages are somewhat seasonal, with the second and third calendar quarters accounting for the highest sales volumes in the Northern Hemisphere. The volume of sales in the beverages business may be affected by weather conditions.

Competition

        Our Company competes in the nonalcoholic beverages segment of the commercial beverages industry. Based on internally available data and a variety of industry sources, we believe that, in 2004, worldwide sales of Company products, comprised approximately 10 percent of total worldwide sales of nonalcoholic beverage products. The nonalcoholic beverages segment of the commercial beverages industry is highly competitive, consisting of numerous firms. These include firms that, like our Company, compete in multiple geographical areas as well as firms that are primarily local in operation. Competitive products include carbonated soft drinks, packaged water, juices and nectars, fruit drinks and dilutables (including syrups and powdered drinks), sports and energy drinks, coffee and tea, still drinks and other beverages. Nonalcoholic beverages are sold to consumers in both ready-to-drink and not-ready-to-drink form. In many of the countries in which we do business, including the United States, PepsiCo, Inc. is a primary competitor of ours. Other significant competitors include Nestlé S.A., Cadbury Schweppes plc, Groupe Danone and Kraft Foods Inc.

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        Most of our beverages business currently is in soft drinks, as that term is defined in this report. The soft-drink business, which is part of the nonalcoholic beverages segment, is itself highly competitive, and soft drinks face significant competition from other nonalcoholic beverages. Our Company is the leading seller of soft-drink concentrates and syrups in the world. Numerous firms, however, compete in that business. These consist of a range of firms, from local to international, that compete against our Company in numerous geographical areas.

        Competitive factors with respect to our business include pricing, advertising, sales promotion programs, product innovation, increased efficiency in production techniques, the introduction of new packaging, new vending and dispensing equipment, and brand and trademark development and protection.

        Positive aspects of our competitive position include strong brands with a high level of consumer acceptance, a worldwide network of bottlers and distributors of Company products, sophisticated marketing capabilities and a talented group of dedicated employees. Negative aspects of our competitive position include strong competition in all geographical regions, and, in many countries, a concentrated retail sector with powerful buyers able to freely choose between Company products, products of competitive beverage suppliers and individual retailers' own store-brand beverages.

Raw Materials

        The principal raw materials used by our business are nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the United States, the principal nutritive sweetener is high-fructose corn syrup, a form of sugar, that is available from numerous domestic sources and is historically subject to fluctuations in its market price. The principal nutritive sweetener used by our business outside the United States is sucrose, another form of sugar, that is also available from numerous sources and is historically subject to fluctuations in its market price. Our Company generally has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining its requirements for sweeteners. In the United States we purchase our requirements of high-fructose corn syrup with the assistance of Coca-Cola Bottlers' Sales & Services Company LLC ("CCBSS"). CCBSS is a limited liability company that is owned by authorized Coca-Cola bottlers doing business in the United States. Among other things, CCBSS provides procurement services to our Company for the purchase of various goods and services in the United States, including high-fructose corn syrup.

        Generally, raw materials utilized by us in our business are readily available from numerous sources. However, aspartame, an important non-nutritive sweetener that is used alone or in combination with other important non-nutritive sweeteners such as saccharin or acesulfame potassium in our low-calorie soft-drink products, is currently purchased by us primarily from The NutraSweet Company, Holland Sweetener Company and Ajinomoto Co., Inc., which we consider to be our only viable sources for the supply of this product. Acesulfame potassium is currently purchased from Nutrinova Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH, which we consider to be our only viable source for the supply of this product. Our Company generally has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining its requirements for sweeteners.

        Our Company sells a number of products sweetened with sucralose, a noncaloric sweetener, and we plan on offering our customers a larger number of new products with sucralose in 2005. We work closely with Tate & Lyle, our sucralose supplier, to maintain continuity of supply. Although Tate & Lyle is our single source for sucralose, we do not anticipate difficulties in obtaining our requirements for sucralose.

        With regard to juice and juice-drink products, the citrus industry is subject to the variability of weather conditions. This includes in particular the possibility of freezes in central Florida, which may result in higher prices and, therefore, lower consumer demand for orange juice throughout the industry. Due to our ability to source orange juice concentrate from the Southern Hemisphere (particularly from Brazil), the supply of juice available that meets the Company's standards is normally adequate to meet demand.

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Patents, Copyrights, Trade Secrets and Trademarks

        Our Company owns numerous patents, copyrights and trade secrets, as well as substantial know-how and technology, which we collectively refer to in this report as "technology." This technology generally relates to our Company's products and the processes for their production; the packages used for our products; the design and operation of various processes and equipment used in our business; and certain quality assurance and financial software. Some of the technology is licensed to suppliers and other parties. Our soft-drink and other beverage formulae are among the important trade secrets of the Company.

        We own numerous trademarks that are very important to our business. Depending upon the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained and they have not been found to have become generic. Registrations of trademarks can generally be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademarks are in use. The majority of our Company's trademark license agreements are included in the Company's Bottler's Agreements. The Company has registered and licenses the right to use its trademarks in conjunction with certain merchandise in addition to nonalcoholic beverages.

Governmental Regulation

        Our Company is required to comply, and it is our policy to comply, with applicable laws in the numerous countries throughout the world in which we do business. In many jurisdictions, compliance with competition laws is of special importance to us, and our operations may come under special scrutiny by competition law authorities due to our competitive position in those jurisdictions.

        The production, distribution and sale in the United States of many of the Company's products are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Lanham Act; various environmental statutes; and various other federal, state and local statutes and regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, labeling and ingredients of such products. Outside the United States, the production, distribution and sales of our many products are also subject to numerous statutes and regulations.

        A California law requires that a specific warning appear on any product that contains a component listed by the state as having been found to cause cancer or birth defects. The law exposes all food and beverage producers to the possibility of having to provide warnings on their products. This is because the law recognizes no generally applicable quantitative thresholds below which a warning is not required. Consequently, even trace amounts of listed components can expose affected products to the prospect of warning labels. Products containing listed substances that occur naturally or that are contributed to such products solely by a municipal water supply are generally exempt from the warning requirement. No Company beverage products are currently required to display warnings under this law. However, we are unable to predict whether a component found in a Company product might be added to the California list in the future. Furthermore, we are also unable to predict when or whether the increasing sensitivity of detection methodology that may become applicable under this law and related regulations as they currently exist, or as may be amended, might result in the detection of an infinitesimal quantity of a listed substance in a Company product.

        Bottlers of our beverage products presently offer non-refillable, recyclable containers in the United States and various other markets around the world. Some of these bottlers also offer refillable containers, which are also recyclable. Legal requirements have been enacted in jurisdictions in the United States and overseas requiring that deposits or certain ecotaxes or fees be charged for the sale, marketing and use of certain non-refillable beverage containers. The precise requirements imposed by these measures vary. Other beverage container-related deposit, recycling, ecotax and/or product stewardship proposals have been introduced in various jurisdictions in the United States and overseas. We anticipate that similar legislation or regulations may be proposed in the future at local, state and federal levels, both in the United States and elsewhere.

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        All of our Company's facilities in the United States and elsewhere around the world are subject to various environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with these provisions has not had, and we do not expect such compliance to have, any material adverse effect on our Company's capital expenditures, net income or competitive position.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2004, our Company employed approximately 50,000 persons, compared to approximately 49,000 at the end of 2003. The increase in the number of employees was primarily due to the consolidation of variable interest entities, mainly in Africa, offset by the decrease due to the deconsolidation of certain bottling operations. At the end of 2004, approximately 9,600 Company employees were located in the United States.

        Our Company, through its divisions and subsidiaries, has entered into numerous collective bargaining agreements. We currently expect that we will be able to renegotiate any such agreements on satisfactory terms, if and when necessary. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are generally satisfactory.

Securities Exchange Act Reports

        The Company maintains an Internet website at the following address: www.coca-cola.com. The information on the Company's website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K.

        We make available on or through our website certain reports and amendments to those reports that we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These include our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K. We make this information available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the information with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

        Our worldwide headquarters is located on a 35-acre office complex in Atlanta, Georgia. The complex includes the approximately 621,000 square foot headquarters building, the approximately 870,000 square foot Coca-Cola North America building and the approximately 264,000 square foot Coca-Cola Plaza building. The complex also includes several other buildings, including the technical and engineering facilities, the learning center and the reception center. Our Company leases approximately 250,000 square feet of office space at 10 Glenlake Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia, which we currently sublease to third parties. In addition, we lease approximately 174,000 square feet of office space at Northridge Business Park, Dunwoody, Georgia. The North America operating segment owns and occupies an office building located in Houston, Texas that contains approximately 330,000 square feet. The Company has facilities for administrative operations, manufacturing, processing, packaging, packing, storage and warehousing throughout the United States.

        As of December 31, 2004, our Company owned and operated 33 principal beverage concentrate and/or syrup manufacturing plants located throughout the world. In addition, we own, hold a majority interest in or otherwise consolidate under applicable accounting rules 36 operations with 83 principal beverage bottling and canning plants located outside the United States. CCDA owns four production facilities and leases one production facility in the United States.

        Our North America operating segment operates 9 noncarbonated beverage production facilities, in addition to the CCDA facilities, located throughout the United States and Canada. It also utilizes a system of contract packers to produce and/or distribute certain products where appropriate. In addition, the Company owns a facility that manufactures juice concentrates for foodservice use.

        We own or lease additional real estate, including a Company-owned office and retail building at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York, New York and approximately 315,000 square feet of Company-owned office and technical space in Brussels, Belgium. Additional owned or leased real estate located throughout the world is used by the Company as office space; for bottling operations, warehouse or retail operations; or, in the case of some owned property, is leased to others.

        Management believes that our Company's facilities for the production of our products are suitable and adequate, that they are being appropriately utilized in line with past experience and that they have sufficient production capacity for their present intended purposes. The extent of utilization of such facilities varies based upon seasonal demand for our products. It is not possible to measure with any degree of certainty or uniformity the productive capacity and extent of utilization of these facilities. However, management believes that additional production can be obtained at the existing facilities by adding personnel and capital equipment and, at some facilities, by adding shifts of personnel or expanding the facilities. We continuously review our anticipated requirements for facilities and, on the basis of that review, may from time to time acquire additional facilities and/or dispose of existing facilities.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        On October 27, 2000, a class action lawsuit (Carpenters Health & Welfare Fund of Philadelphia & Vicinity v. The Coca-Cola Company, et al.) was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia alleging that the Company, M. Douglas Ivester, Jack L. Stahl and James E. Chestnut violated antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws by making misrepresentations or material omissions relating to the Company's financial condition and prospects in late 1999 and early 2000. A second, largely identical lawsuit (Gaetan LaValla v. The Coca-Cola Company, et al.) was filed in the same court on November 9, 2000. The complaints allege that the Company and the individual named officers: (1) forced certain Coca-Cola system bottlers to accept "excessive, unwanted and unneeded" sales of concentrate during the third and fourth quarters of 1999, thus creating a misleading sense of improvement in our Company's performance in those quarters; (2) failed to write down the value of impaired assets in Russia, Japan and elsewhere on a timely basis, again resulting in the presentation of misleading interim financial results in the third and fourth quarters of 1999; and

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(3) misrepresented the reasons for Mr. Ivester's departure from the Company and then misleadingly reassured the financial community that there would be no changes in the Company's core business strategy or financial outlook following that departure. Damages in an unspecified amount are sought in both complaints.

        On January 8, 2001, an order was entered by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia consolidating the two cases for all purposes. The Court also ordered the plaintiffs to file a Consolidated Amended Complaint. On July 25, 2001, the plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint, which largely repeated the allegations made in the original complaints and added Douglas N. Daft as an additional defendant.

        On September 25, 2001, the defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss all counts of the Consolidated Amended Complaint. On August 20, 2002, the Court granted in part and denied in part the defendants' Motion to Dismiss. The Court also granted the plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to Amend the Complaint. On September 4, 2002, the defendants filed a Motion for Partial Reconsideration of the Court's August 20, 2002 ruling. The motion was denied by the Court on April 15, 2003.

        On June 2, 2003, the plaintiffs filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint. The defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint on June 30, 2003. On March 31, 2004, the Court granted in part and denied in part the defendants' Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint. In its order, the Court dismissed a number of the plaintiffs' allegations, including the claim that the Company made knowingly false statements to financial analysts. The Court permitted the remainder of the allegations to proceed to discovery. The Court denied plaintiffs' request for leave to further amend and replead their complaint. The lawsuit is now in the discovery phase.

        The Company believes it has substantial legal and factual defenses to the plaintiffs' claims.

        On December 20, 2002, the Company filed a lawsuit (The Coca-Cola Company v. Aqua-Chem, Inc., Civil Action No. 2002CV631-50) in the Superior Court, Fulton County, Georgia (the "Georgia Case") seeking a declaratory judgment that the Company has no obligation to its former subsidiary, Aqua-Chem, Inc. ("Aqua-Chem"), for any past, present or future liabilities or expenses in connection with any claims or lawsuits against Aqua-Chem. Subsequent to the Company's filing but on the same day, Aqua-Chem filed a lawsuit (Aqua-Chem, Inc. v. The Coca-Cola Company, Civil Action No. 02CV012179) in the Circuit Court, Civil Division of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (the "Wisconsin Case"). In the Wisconsin Case, Aqua-Chem seeks a declaratory judgment that the Company is responsible for all liabilities and expenses not covered by insurance in connection with certain of Aqua-Chem's general and product liability claims arising from occurrences prior to the Company's sale of Aqua-Chem in 1981, and a judgment for breach of contract in an amount exceeding $9 million for defense costs, expenses and settlements incurred by Aqua-Chem to date in connection with such claims.

        The Company owned Aqua-Chem from 1970 to 1981. During that time, the Company purchased over $400 million of insurance coverage of which $350 million is still available to cover Aqua-Chem for certain product liability and other claims. Cleaver Brooks, a division of Aqua-Chem, manufactured boilers, some of which contained asbestos gaskets. The Company sold Aqua-Chem to Lyonnaise American Holding, Inc. in 1981 under the terms of a stock sale agreement. Following a lawsuit involving a tax dispute, the Company entered into a settlement agreement in 1983 with Lyonnaise American Holding, Inc. and Aqua-Chem. The 1981 and 1983 agreements, among other things, outlined the parties' rights and obligations concerning past and future claims and lawsuits involving Aqua-Chem.

        Aqua-Chem was first named as a defendant in asbestos lawsuits in or around 1985 and, to date, has more than 100,000 claims pending against it. In October 2002, Aqua-Chem asserted that since 1985 it had incurred approximately $10 million in expenses related to these claims that were not covered by insurance. Aqua-Chem demanded that the Company reimburse these expenses pursuant to its interpretation of the terms of the 1981 and 1983 agreements. It also demanded that the Company acknowledge its continuing obligations to Aqua-Chem under these agreements for any future liabilities and expenses that are excluded from coverage under the applicable insurance or for which there is no insurance. The Company disputes Aqua-Chem's

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interpretation of the agreements and believes it has no past, present or future obligation to Aqua-Chem in this regard. This led to the filing of the Georgia Case.

        The Wisconsin Case initially was stayed, pending final resolution of the Georgia Case, and later was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by Aqua-Chem. The parties have agreed to stay the Georgia Case pending the outcome of new insurance coverage litigation filed by certain Aqua-Chem insurers, described in the following paragraph. The Company believes it has substantial legal and factual defenses to Aqua-Chem's claims.

        On March 26, 2004, five plaintiff insurance companies filed an action (Century Indemnity Company, et al. v. Aqua-Chem, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, et al., Case No. 04CV002852) in the Circuit Court, Civil Division of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin against our Company, Aqua-Chem and 16 insurance companies. Several of the policies that are the subject of this action were issued to the Company during the period (1970 to 1981) when our Company owned Aqua-Chem. The complaint seeks a determination of the respective rights and obligations under the insurance policies issued by the insurance companies with regard to asbestos-related claims against Aqua-Chem. The five plaintiffs issued insurance policies with aggregate remaining limits of coverage of approximately $145 million. The action also seeks a monetary judgment reimbursing any amounts paid by the plaintiffs in excess of their obligations. Aqua-Chem and the Company have reached an agreement in principle to settle with five of the insurers in the Wisconsin insurance coverage litigation, and those insurers will pay funds into an escrow account for payment of costs arising from the asbestos claims against Aqua-Chem. Aqua-Chem and the Company will continue to litigate their claims for coverage against the 16 other insurers that are parties to the Wisconsin insurance coverage case. The Company believes that there are substantial legal and factual arguments supporting the position that the insurance policies at issue provide coverage for the asbestos-related claims against Aqua-Chem, and both the Company and Aqua-Chem have asserted these arguments in response to the complaint.

        Since 1999, the Competition Directorate of the European Commission (the "Commission") has been conducting an investigation of various commercial and market practices of the Company and its bottlers in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Great Britain. On October 19, 2004, our Company and certain of our bottlers submitted a formal Undertaking to the Commission, and the Commission accepted the Undertaking. The Undertaking will potentially apply in 27 countries and in all channels of distribution where our carbonated soft drinks account for over 40 percent of national sales and twice the nearest competitor's share. It will take more than 12 months to fully implement the Undertaking and for the market to react to any resulting changes. The commitments we made in the Undertaking relate broadly to exclusivity, percentage-based purchasing commitments, transparency, target rebates, tying, assortment or range commitments, and agreements concerning products of other suppliers. The Undertaking will also apply to shelf space commitments in agreements with take-home customers and to financing and availability agreements in the on-premise channel. In addition, the Undertaking includes commitments that will be applicable to commercial arrangements concerning the installation and use of technical equipment (such as coolers, fountain equipment and vending machines). The commitments set forth in the Undertaking have been published for third-party comments. Following the comment period, the Commission presented to the Company certain comments it had received from third parties, as well as certain additional comments from the Commission's legal staff. The Company is in the process of addressing these comments with the Commission. The Company anticipates that the formal Undertaking will form the basis of a Commission decision pursuant to Article 9, paragraph 1 of Council Regulation 1/2003 to be issued in the second quarter of 2005, bringing an end to the investigation. The submission of the Undertaking does not imply any recognition on the Company's or the bottlers' part of any infringement of Commission competition rules. We believe that the Undertaking, while imposing restrictions, clarifies the application of competition rules to our practices in Europe and will allow our system to be able to compete vigorously while adhering to the Undertaking's provisions.

        The Company is also discussing with the Commission issues relating to parallel trade within the European Union arising out of comments received by the Commission from third parties. The Company is fully cooperating with the Commission and is providing information on these issues and the measures taken and to be

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taken to address any issues raised. The Company is unable to predict at this time with any reasonable degree of certainty what action, if any, the Commission will take with respect to these issues.

        The Spanish competition service made unannounced visits to our offices and those of certain bottlers in Spain in 2000. In December 2003, the Spanish competition service suspended its investigation until the Commission notifies the service of how the Commission will proceed in its aforementioned investigation.

        The French competition directorate has also initiated an inquiry into commercial practices related to the soft drink sector in France. This inquiry has been conducted through visits to the offices of the Company; however, no conclusions have been communicated to the Company by the directorate.

        By letter dated June 10, 2003, the Company was informed that the SEC had commenced an informal, nonpublic inquiry into whether the Company or certain persons associated with the Company violated federal securities laws in connection with the allegations in two lawsuits filed by Matthew Whitley, a former employee, in May 2003. In his lawsuits, which were settled in October 2003, Mr. Whitley alleged, among other things, that he was terminated in retaliation for reporting to senior management certain accounting and other improprieties. Mr. Whitley's lawsuits alleged, among other things, the improper manipulation of a marketing test for frozen Coke products conducted by one of the Company's customers, improper accounting treatment in connection with the purchase of certain fountain dispensing equipment and marketing allowances, and false or misleading statements or omissions in connection with the reporting of sales volume. On January 14, 2004, the Company received an order from the SEC, making its inquiry a formal investigation. The Company has provided substantial documentation and other information in response to document subpoenas and informal requests received from the SEC. The SEC has also taken deposition testimony and/or interviewed numerous current and former Company employees. The Company is continuing to cooperate with the SEC.

        On July 11, 2003, the Company announced that the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia had commenced a criminal investigation of the allegations raised by Mr. Whitley. In connection with that investigation, the Company has received a number of Grand Jury subpoenas as well as additional informal requests for documents and materials relating to the issues under investigation and, numerous current and former employees have provided testimony before the Grand Jury or have been interviewed. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and has provided substantial documentation and information to the United States Attorney's Office. The Company is continuing to cooperate with the United States Attorney's Office.

        On June 18, 2004, Michael Hall filed what is purported to be a shareholder derivative suit on behalf of the Company, in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. The defendants in this action are the current members of the Company's Board of Directors (other than E. Neville Isdell and Donald R. Keough), and former Company officers Douglas N. Daft and Steven J. Heyer. The Company is also named as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges, among other things, that in connection with certain alleged Company accounting and business practices that were originally the subject of litigation brought by former employee Matthew Whitley in 2003, approvals of executive compensation and severance packages, and dealings between the Company and entities with which the defendants are affiliated, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company through gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, abuse of their positions of authority within the Company, and by unjustly enriching themselves.

        The plaintiff, on behalf of the Company, seeks declaratory relief; a monetary judgment requiring the defendants to pay the Company unspecified amounts by which the Company allegedly has been damaged by reason of the conduct complained of; an award to the plaintiff of the costs and disbursements incurred in connection with the action, including reasonable attorneys' and experts' fees; extraordinary equitable and/or injunctive relief; and such other further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.

        The Company intends to take appropriate action to protect its interests in connection with this matter.

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        The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings. Management of the Company believes that any liability to the Company that may arise as a result of these proceedings, including the proceedings specifically discussed above, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        Not applicable.


ITEM X. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

        The following are the executive officers of our Company as of February 17, 2005:

        Alexander R.C. Allan, 60, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President and Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Eurasia and Middle East. Mr. Allan joined Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Johannesburg in 1968 as an Internal Auditor. He was appointed the financial Controller for the Southern Africa Division of The Coca-Cola Company in 1978 and Assistant Division Manager and Finance Manager of the Southern and Central Africa Division in 1986. From January 1986 until January 1993, he served as the Managing Director of National Beverage Services (Pty) Ltd., a management and services company in South Africa. In January 1993, he was appointed President of the Middle East Division (renamed Middle East & North Africa Division in 1998). Mr. Allan was appointed Senior Vice President of the Company and President of the Asia Group in November 1999. In March 2001, he was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of the newly created Asia strategic business unit of the Company. Mr. Allan was elected Executive Vice President in April 2001. He was appointed to his current position in January 2002.

        Alexander B. Cummings, Jr., 48, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President and Chief Operating Officer, Africa. Mr. Cummings joined the Company in 1997 as Deputy Region Manager, Nigeria based in Lagos, Nigeria. In 1998 he was made Managing Director/Region Manager, Nigeria. In 2000, Mr. Cummings became President of the North West Africa Division based in Morocco and in 2001 became President of the Africa Group overseeing the entire African continent. Mr. Cummings started his career in 1982 with The Pillsbury Company and held various positions within that company, the last position being Vice President of Finance for all of Pillsbury's international businesses. Mr. Cummings was elected to his current position in July 2002.

        J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr., 43, is Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of the Company. Mr. Douglas joined the Company in January 1988 as a District Sales Manager for the Foodservice Division of Coca-Cola USA. In May 1994, he was named Vice President of Coca-Cola USA, initially assuming leadership of the CCE Sales & Marketing Group and eventually assuming leadership of the entire North American Field Sales and Marketing Groups. In January 2000, Mr. Douglas was appointed President of the North American Division within the North America strategic business unit. Mr. Douglas was elected to his current position in February 2003.

        Gary P. Fayard, 52, is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Fayard joined the Company in April 1994. In July 1994, he was elected Vice President and Controller. In December 1999, he was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Fayard was a partner with Ernst & Young. Mr. Fayard was elected to his current position in February 2003.

        Irial Finan, 47, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Bottling Investments, a newly established position responsible for managing the Company's equity investments in bottler operations and overseeing the operations of Company-owned bottlers around the world. Mr. Finan joined the Coca-Cola system in 1981 with Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland, Ltd., where for several years he held a variety of accounting positions. From 1987 until 1990, Mr. Finan served as Finance Director of Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland, Ltd. From 1991 to

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1993, he served as Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bottlers Ulster, Ltd. He was Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bottlers in Romania and Bulgaria until late 1994. From 1995 to 1999, he served as Managing Director of Molino Beverages, with responsibility for expanding markets including the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Romania, Moldova, Russia and Nigeria. Mr. Finan served from May 2001 until 2003 as Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, one of the Company's largest bottlers with operations in 26 countries. In August 2004, Mr. Finan joined the Company and was named President of Bottling Investments. He was elected to his current position in October 2004.

        Charles B. Fruit, 58, is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Company. Mr. Fruit joined the Company in June 1991 as Director of Global Media Services and was elected Vice President of the Company in July 1991. He was given expanded responsibilities and named Vice President, Media & Marketing Assets in August 1993, and later Marketing Chief of Staff in November 2000. In October 2001, Mr. Fruit was appointed Vice President, Integrated Marketing. He was named Chief Marketing Officer of the Company in June 2004 and was elected to his current position in July 2004.

        E. Neville Isdell, 61, is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Isdell joined the Coca-Cola system in 1966 with the local bottling company in Zambia. In 1972, he became General Manager of Coca-Cola Bottling of Johannesburg, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in South Africa at the time. Mr. Isdell was named Region Manager for Australia in 1980. In 1981, he became President of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc., the bottling joint venture between the Company and San Miguel Corporation in the Philippines. Mr. Isdell was appointed President of the Central European Division of the Company in 1985. In January 1989, he was elected Senior Vice President of the Company and was appointed President of the Northeast Europe/Africa Group, which was renamed the Northeast Europe/Middle East Group in 1992. In 1995, Mr. Isdell was named President of the Greater Europe Group. From July 1998 to September 2000, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Beverages Plc in Great Britain, where he oversaw that company's merger with Hellenic Bottling and the formation of Coca-Cola HBC, one of the Company's largest bottlers. Mr. Isdell served as Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC from September 2000 until May 2001; and served as Vice Chairman of Coca-Cola HBC from May 2001 until December 2001. From January 2002 to May 2004, Mr. Isdell was an international consultant to the Company. He was elected to his current positions on June 1, 2004.

        Donald R. Knauss, 54, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President and Chief Operating Officer, Coca-Cola North America. Mr. Knauss joined the Company in 1994 as Senior Vice President of Marketing for The Minute Maid Company, and was named Senior Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Division in 1996. He served from March 1998 until January 2000 as President of the Southern Africa Division of the Company. In January 2000, Mr. Knauss was named President and Chief Executive Officer of The Minute Maid Company, formerly a division of the Company, and became President of the Retail Division of Coca-Cola North America in January 2003. He was appointed to his current position in February 2004.

        Cynthia P. McCague, 54, is Senior Vice President of the Company and Director of Human Resources. Ms. McCague initially joined the Company in 1982, and since then has worked across the Coca-Cola business system in a variety of human resources and business roles in Europe and the United States. In 1998, she was appointed to lead the human resources function for Coca-Cola Beverages Plc, in Great Britain, which in 2000 became Coca-Cola HBC. Ms. McCague rejoined the Company in June 2004 as Director of Human Resources. She was elected to her current position in July 2004.

        Mary E. Minnick, 45, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President and Chief Operating Officer, Asia. Ms. Minnick joined the Company in 1983 and spent 10 years working in Fountain Sales and the Bottle/Can Division of Coca-Cola USA. In 1993, she joined Corporate Marketing. In 1996, she was appointed Vice President and Director, Middle and Far East Marketing, and served in that capacity until 1997 when she was appointed President of the South Pacific Division. In 2000, she was named President of Coca-Cola (Japan)

18



Company, Limited. Ms. Minnick was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of the Asia strategic business unit in January 2002, and was elected to her current position in February 2002.

        José Octavio Reyes, 52, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President and Chief Operating Officer, Latin America. He began his career with The Coca-Cola Company in 1980 at Coca-Cola de México as Manager of Strategic Planning. In 1987, he was Manager of the Sprite and Diet Coke brands at Corporate Headquarters. In 1990, he was appointed Marketing Director for the Brazil Division, and later became Marketing and Operations Vice President for the Mexico Division. Mr. Reyes assumed the role of Deputy Division President for the Mexico Division in January 1996 and was named Division President for the Mexico Division in May 1996. In 2000, Venezuela, Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean were incorporated into the Division. Mr. Reyes assumed his position as President and Chief Operating Officer, Latin America in December 2002, and was elected to his current position in February 2003.

        Danny L. Strickland, 56, is Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation and Technology Officer of the Company. Mr. Strickland joined the Company in April 2003 and was elected Senior Vice President in June 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Strickland served as Senior Vice President, Innovation, Technology & Quality at General Mills, Inc. from January 1997 until March 2003. There he was responsible for building a strong product pipeline, innovation culture and organization. Prior to his position with General Mills, Mr. Strickland held several research and development, innovation, engineering, quality and strategy roles in the United States and abroad with Johnson & Johnson from March 1993 until December 1996, Kraft Foods Inc. from February 1988 until March 1993, and the Procter & Gamble Company from June 1970 until February 1988.

        Clyde C. Tuggle, 42, is Senior Vice President, Worldwide Public Affairs and Communications, of the Company. Mr. Tuggle joined the Company in 1989 in Corporate Issues Communications. From 1992 to 1998, he served as executive assistant to then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Roberto C. Goizueta, managing business activities, external affairs and communications related to the Office of the Chairman. In 1998, he transferred to the Central European Division, where he held a variety of positions including Director of Operations Development, deputy to the Division President and Austria region manager. In 2000, Mr. Tuggle returned to Atlanta as executive assistant to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Daft and was elected Vice President. He was appointed Director of Worldwide Public Affairs and Communications in 2001. In 2002, he took on additional responsibilities, including Government Affairs, North American Public Relations & Communications, Strategic Event Services and Company Archives. Mr. Tuggle was elected to his current position in February 2003.

        All executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. There is no family relationship between any of the directors or executive officers of the Company.

19



PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

        In the United States, the Company's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the principal market for our common stock) and is traded on the Boston, Chicago, National, Pacific and Philadelphia stock exchanges.

        The following table sets forth, for the calendar periods indicated, the high and low closing prices per share for the Company's common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape, and dividend per share information:

    Common Stock Market Price
   
    High
  Low
  Dividends
Declared

2004            
  Fourth quarter   $  41.91   $  38.30   $  0.25
  Third quarter   51.39   39.23   0.25
  Second quarter   53.50   49.17   0.25
  First quarter   52.78   47.58   0.25

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Fourth quarter   $  50.90   $  43.00   $  0.22
  Third quarter   46.64   42.28   0.22
  Second quarter   48.34   39.00   0.22
  First quarter   46.01   37.01   0.22

        As of February 28, 2005, there were approximately 337,540 shareowner accounts of record.

        The information under the heading "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on April 19, 2005, to be filed with the SEC (the "Company's 2005 Proxy Statement"), is incorporated herein by reference.

        During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, no equity securities of the Company were sold by the Company that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

20


        The following table presents information with respect to purchases of common stock of the Company made during the three months ended December 31, 2004 by the Company or any "affiliated purchaser" of the Company as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act.

Period   Total Number of
Shares Purchased

1
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs




2
Maximum Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

October 1, 2004 through October 31, 2004   696,137   $  40.59   600,000   116,325,940

November 1, 2004 through November 30, 2004   3,900,000   $  40.05   3,900,000   112,425,940

December 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004   3,326,690   $  40.88   3,242,000   109,183,940

Total   7,922,827   $  40.45   7,742,000   109,183,940

1 The total number of shares purchased includes (i) shares purchased pursuant to the 1996 Plan described in footnote (2) below; and (ii) shares surrendered or deemed surrendered to the Company to pay the exercise price and/or to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with so-called "stock swap exercises" of employee stock options and/or the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees, totaling 96,137 shares, 0 shares and 84,690 shares, respectively, for the months of October, November and December 2004.

2

On October 17, 1996, we publicly announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a plan (the "1996 Plan") for the Company to purchase up to 206 million shares of the Company's common stock prior to October 31, 2006. This was in addition to approximately 44 million shares, previously authorized for purchase prior to December 31, 2000, that had not been purchased by the Company as of October 16, 1996 but that were purchased by the Company prior to the commencement of purchases under the 1996 Plan in 1998. This column discloses the number of shares purchased pursuant to the 1996 Plan during the indicated time periods.

        This table excludes restricted stock forfeitures and shares withheld in connection with so-called "cashless exercises" of employee stock options.

21



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

    Compound Growth Rates
  Year Ended December 31,
 
(In millions except per share data and growth rates)   5 Years   10 Years   2004 2 2003 3

 
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                  
Net operating revenues   5.5  %   4.2%   $    21,962   $    21,044  
Cost of goods sold   4.9  %   2.2%   7,638   7,762  

 
Gross profit   5.9  %   5.5%   14,324   13,282  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   6.4  %   5.5%   8,146   7,488  
Other operating charges           480   573  

 
Operating income   7.4  %   4.6%   5,698   5,221  
Interest income           157   176  
Interest expense           196   178  
Equity income (loss)—net           621   406  
Other income (loss)—net           (82 ) (138 )
Gains on issuances of stock by equity investees           24   8  

 
Income before income taxes and changes in accounting principles   10.3  %   5.3%   6,222   5,495  
Income taxes   (0.2)%   1.6%   1,375   1,148  

 
Net income before changes in accounting principles   14.8  %   6.6%   $      4,847   $      4,347  

 
Net income   14.8  %   6.6%   $      4,847   $      4,347  

 
Average shares outstanding           2,426   2,459  
Average shares outstanding assuming dilution           2,429   2,462  
PER SHARE DATA                  
Net income before changes in accounting principles—basic   15.3  %   7.3%   $        2.00   $        1.77  
Net income before changes in accounting principles—diluted   15.3  %   7.4%   2.00   1.77  
Basic net income   15.3  %   7.3%   2.00   1.77  
Diluted net income   15.3  %   7.4%   2.00   1.77  
Cash dividends   9.3  %   9.9%   1.00   0.88  
Market price on December 31,   (6.5)%   4.9%   41.64   50.75  
TOTAL MARKET VALUE OF COMMON STOCK1   (7.0)%   4.3%   $  100,325   $  123,908  

BALANCE SHEET DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities           $      6,768   $      3,482  
Property, plant and equipment—net           6,091   6,097  
Depreciation           715   667  
Capital expenditures           755   812  
Total assets           31,327   27,342  
Long-term debt           1,157   2,517  
Shareowners' equity           15,935   14,090  

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

$      5,968

 

$      5,456

 

 
1 Refer to Glossary on pages 119 and 120.
2 In 2004, we adopted FSP No. 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003."
3 In 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities."

22


The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

2002 4,5 2001 6 2000   1999   1998 7 1997 7 1996 7 1995 7 1994 7,8

 
                                   
$    19,564   $    17,545   $    17,354   $    16,767   $    16,301   $    16,611   $    16,635   $  16,283   $  14,570  
7,105   6,044   6,204   6,009   5,562   6,015   6,738   6,940   6,168  

 
12,459   11,501   11,150   10,758   10,739   10,596   9,897   9,343   8,402  
7,001   6,149   6,016   5,963   5,699   5,535   5,597   5,231   4,765  
    1,443   813   73   60   385   86    

 
5,458   5,352   3,691   3,982   4,967   5,001   3,915   4,026   3,637  
209   325   345   260   219   211   238   245   181  
199   289   447   337   277   258   286   272   199  
384   152   (289 ) (184 ) 32   155   211   169   134  
(353 ) 39   99   98   230   583   87   86   (25 )
  91       27   363   431   74    

 

5,499

 

5,670

 

3,399

 

3,819

 

5,198

 

6,055

 

4,596

 

4,328

 

3,728

 
1,523   1,691   1,222   1,388   1,665   1,926   1,104   1,342   1,174  

 
$      3,976   $      3,979   $      2,177   $      2,431   $      3,533   $      4,129   $      3,492   $    2,986   $    2,554  

 
$      3,050   $      3,969   $      2,177   $      2,431   $      3,533   $      4,129   $      3,492   $    2,986   $    2,554  

 
2,478   2,487   2,477   2,469   2,467   2,477   2,494   2,525   2,580  
2,483   2,487   2,487   2,487   2,496   2,515   2,523   2,549   2,599  
                                   
$        1.60   $        1.60   $        0.88   $        0.98   $        1.43   $        1.67   $        1.40   $      1.18   $      0.99  
1.60   1.60   0.88   0.98   1.42   1.64   1.38   1.17   0.98  
1.23   1.60   0.88   0.98   1.43   1.67   1.40   1.18   0.99  
1.23   1.60   0.88   0.98   1.42   1.64   1.38   1.17   0.98  
0.80   0.72   0.68   0.64   0.60   0.56   0.50   0.44   0.39  
43.84   47.15   60.94   58.25   67.00   66.69   52.63   37.13   25.75  

$  108,328

 

$  117,226

 

$  151,421

 

$  143,969

 

$  165,190

 

$  164,766

 

$  130,575

 

$  92,983

 

$  65,711

 
                                   
$      2,345   $      1,934   $      1,892   $      1,812   $      1,807   $      1,843   $      1,658   $    1,315   $    1,531  
5,911   4,453   4,168   4,267   3,669   3,743   3,550   4,336   4,080  
614   502   465   438   381   384   442   421   382  
851   769   733   1,069   863   1,093   990   937   878  
24,406   22,417   20,834   21,623   19,145   16,881   16,112   15,004   13,863  
2,701   1,219   835   854   687   801   1,116   1,141   1,426  
11,800   11,366   9,316   9,513   8,403   7,274   6,125   5,369   5,228  

$      4,742

 

$      4,110

 

$      3,585

 

$      3,883

 

$      3,433

 

$      4,033

 

$      3,463

 

$    3,328

 

$    3,361

 

 
4 In 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."
5 In 2002, we adopted the fair value method provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and we adopted SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure."
6 In 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
7 In 1998, we adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits."
8 In 1994, we adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."

23



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

        The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to help the reader understand The Coca-Cola Company, our operations and our present business environment. MD&A is provided as a supplement to—and should be read in conjunction with—our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes ("Notes"). This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

Our Business

        We are the largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups in the world. Along with Coca-Cola, which is recognized as the world's most valuable brand, we market four of the world's top five soft-drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite. We provide a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks, water products, teas, coffees and other beverages to meet consumers' desires, needs and lifestyle choices. Our goal is to use our formidable assets—brands, financial strength, unrivaled distribution system and the strong commitment by our management and employees worldwide—to become more competitive. In so doing, we expect to accelerate growth in a way that creates value for our shareowners and renewed enthusiasm among our employees.

        Our Company generates revenues, income and cash flows by manufacturing and selling beverage concentrates and syrups as well as some finished beverages. We generally sell these products to bottling and canning operations, distributors, fountain wholesalers and some fountain retailers. We have three types of bottling relationships: bottlers in which our Company has no ownership interest, bottlers in which our Company has a noncontrolling ownership interest and bottlers in which our Company has a controlling ownership interest. We authorize our bottling partners to manufacture and package products made from our concentrates and syrups into branded finished products that they then distribute and sell. Bottling partners in which our Company

24



has no ownership interest or a noncontrolling ownership interest produced and distributed approximately 83 percent of our 2004 worldwide unit case volume.

        We make significant marketing expenditures in support of our brands, including advertising costs, sponsorship fees and special promotional events. As part of our marketing activities, we may provide retailers and distributors with promotions and point-of-sale displays; our bottling partners with advertising support and funds designated for the purchase of cold-drink equipment; and our consumers with coupons, discounts and promotional incentives. These marketing expenditures help to enhance awareness of and increase consumer preference for our brands. We believe that greater awareness and preference promotes long-term growth in unit case volume, per capita consumption and our share of worldwide nonalcoholic beverage sales.

        We operate in the highly competitive global commercial beverage industry. We face strong competition from other general and specialty beverage companies. We, along with other beverage companies, are affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, cost to manufacture and distribute products, consumer debt levels, economic conditions, consumer preferences, employment, inflation, political climate, local and national laws and regulations, foreign currency exchange fluctuations, fuel prices and weather patterns.

        Our Brands.    Coca-Cola is the most popular and biggest-selling soft drink in history, and is recognized as the most valuable brand in the world. Our Company owns or licenses nearly 400 brands—including carbonated soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks, water products, teas, coffees and other beverages—of which approximately 1.3 billion servings a day are consumed worldwide.

        Our Distribution System.    Our bottlers sell our branded products in over 200 countries on six continents to businesses and institutions including retail chains, supermarkets, restaurants, small neighborhood grocers, sports and entertainment venues and schools and colleges. We continue to expand our marketing presence and increase our unit case volume growth in emerging economies throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our strong and stable system helps us to capture growth by distributing existing, enhanced and new, innovative products to our consumers throughout the world.

        Our People.    Our employees, whom we call "associates," are integral to our success. Our associates work closely with our bottling partners and other key constituencies to understand consumer preferences and market conditions around the world. To meet our long-term objectives, we recruit and actively cultivate a diverse workforce and establish a culture that fosters learning, innovation and value creation on a daily basis.

        Establishing Our Marketing Leadership.    Carbonated soft drinks ("CSDs") remain a fundamental and profitable part of our family of brands, and we believe we should invest in marketing our family of brands more aggressively than in the past few years. In addition, we need to further expand our new products pipeline and continue to develop our innovation capabilities. Accordingly, we plan to increase our marketing and innovation spending by approximately $400 million in 2005 and intend to maintain the increased spending level for the foreseeable future.

        Unleashing Our System's Potential.    Driving enhanced revenue growth across the system is a key focus area. Our plans in this area are centered on tailoring strategies to match consumer occasions, offering differentiated packages, building value with customers, strengthening in-market execution and supporting our family of brands with strong marketing activities. Markets where we effectively implement a brand, package, price and channel strategy as a system have seen strong results. Our initiatives in this area are focused around training, sharing learning across the system, and capitalizing on immediate consumption opportunities. In this regard, we are refocusing on the basics of distribution and on increased service to the many outlets in the marketplace. To

25



further strengthen our capabilities in serving our largest customers, we have established, at a senior level, a Chief Customer Officer.

        Executing with Excellence Globally.    We have a very solid base of operations throughout the world, though some regions have recently experienced inconsistent performance. While we are working hard to grow the business throughout the world, we intend to focus specifically on performance improvement in two geographic areas: North America and Germany.

        In North America, together with our bottling partners, we will focus on continually balancing volume, price and mix. In 2005, our plan in North America reflects a rigorous revenue growth management approach to our pricing as well as enhanced marketing and additional innovation. We have worked very hard over the last few months with our bottling partners to ensure that our paths and goals are aligned and that together we can implement our growth plan. We are in agreement with our bottling partners with respect to our strategic future and our mutual goals reflect a balanced volume and price growth plan for 2005.

        In Germany, given the retail consolidation and rise of the discount chains, we are in the process of consolidating our bottling system to improve efficiencies. Although the system has gone from 116 bottlers in 1974 to nine bottlers in 2004, we are working toward a single bottler system in the German market in order to simplify our bottling and distribution operations. As a result, we have informed our independent bottling partners in Germany that their bottlers' agreements will not be renewed when they expire. Since the independent bottlers' agreements expire from 2007 through 2011, we do not expect a quick resolution; however, we expect to move closer to our goal over the next two to three years.

        Our business demands excellence in execution. Our business is not overly complicated but we operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment of global markets and competitive economies. Excellent execution requires discipline, concrete objectives, routines, reporting, follow up, asking hard questions and the desire to take risks. The beverage industry provides more than enough opportunities for growth, but it will take a relentless focus on execution to capitalize on those opportunities.

        We have identified several specific areas that provide opportunities for growth. We believe significant growth potential exists in diet and light products and we intend to make investments to accelerate that growth. We also believe that the immediate consumption channel offers significant growth potential and we plan to expand the quality and quantity of our presence in this channel. As consumer preferences change, we must ensure that our family of brands is selectively and profitably expanded to address these changing preferences. In every market we must focus on the financial health of the entire Coca-Cola system. We must look for new opportunities with each customer and allocate resources to maximize the impact on any customer opportunities. We believe we can capture this growth by focusing on our core brands to maximize the potential of each brand and through additional innovation.

        Revitalizing the Organization.    The organizational realignments of 2000 and 2003 negatively impacted the trust within our Company and our system, that had been engendered over our 118-year history. Our goal is to revive that trust. We also realize that our bench strength has been weakened as a result of these two organizational realignments. Therefore, we are investing in capability and training while simplifying and clarifying roles and responsibilities.

        We believe that executing our strategic initiatives creates value. Consistent with a commitment to effective execution, our Company focuses on three key value drivers: profitable growth, leveraging operating and marketing investments and efficient capital structure.

        Profitable Growth.    We believe strong brands—properly supported by marketing and innovation, leveraged across markets and targeted to a broad consumer base—drive profitable growth. Our Company continues to broaden our family of brands. In particular, we are expanding and growing our noncarbonated offerings to

26



provide more alternatives to consumers. With this expansion and growth, our Company is focused on maintaining or increasing profit margins. We further intend to focus on improving margins in faster growing but lower-margin countries. To manage this expansion and growth, we have shifted from a volume focus to a "volume and value" focus. We believe that tailored brand, package, price and channel strategies help achieve profitable growth. We are implementing these strategies to accelerate profitable growth through close alignment with our bottling partners.

        Leveraging Operating and Marketing Investments.    We intend to drive increased efficiency by leveraging our operating and marketing investments. A principal focus to achieve this leverage will continue to be efficiency in the supply chain. In 2003, our Company and our bottling partners established supply chain management companies to help increase procurement efficiencies and centralize production and logistics operations in North America, Japan and China. In 2004, the Coca-Cola system began to realize some of the benefits from these initiatives. Lowering supply chain costs improves system economics. Alignment with our bottling partners on ways to achieve additional joint savings represents a critical area of focus for 2005 and beyond. In the future, our Company, together with our bottling partners, will continue to look for opportunities to leverage expenses by working to reduce duplication of efforts, consolidating operations, increasing in-market execution, simplifying the decision making process and increasing our speed to market.

        Efficient Capital Structure.    Our capital structure is intended to optimize our cost of capital. We believe our strong capital position, our access to key financial markets, our ability to raise funds at a low effective cost and our overall low cost of borrowing provide a competitive advantage.

        As our cash flow increases, we expect to increase our share repurchases. Furthermore, the dividend rate increased for the 43rd straight year in 2005, and we believe that for the foreseeable future, our Board of Directors intends to increase our dividends. Refer to the heading "Financial Strategies and Risk Management."

        We believe these value drivers, when properly leveraged, will result in (1) maintaining or improving our gross profit margin; (2) providing additional leverage over time through reduced expenses as a percentage of net operating revenues; and (3) optimizing our cost of capital. The ultimate measure of our success will be reflected in results of operations, liquidity and capital resources.

        Results of Operations.    Net operating revenues, gross profit, operating income, income before income taxes and net income per share are key measurements of our operating performance. In 2004, net operating revenues totaled approximately $22.0 billion, a 4 percent increase from 2003. Gross profit totaled approximately $14.3 billion in 2004, an 8 percent increase from 2003. Operating income was approximately $5.7 billion, a 9 percent increase from 2003. Income before income taxes was approximately $6.2 billion, a 13 percent increase from 2003. Net income per share (basic and diluted) was $2.00 for 2004, a 13 percent increase from 2003. These measurements will continue to be a key management focus in 2005 and beyond. Refer to the heading "Operations Review."

        Liquidity and Capital Resources.    In 2004, our net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $6.0 billion, a 9 percent increase from 2003. For years 2005 through 2009, we expect our cumulative net cash provided by operating activities to be in excess of $30 billion. We believe this is one of our Company's strengths—the ability to generate significant cash flows to reinvest in our business. We utilize our cash in ways that the Board of Directors and management believe provide the greatest shareowner value. Principal uses of our cash flows are:

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        Refer to the heading "Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position."

        Operating in more than 200 countries provides unique opportunities for our Company. Challenges and risks accompany these opportunities. Our Company's strengths, strategic initiatives and value drivers provide the foundation for our response to the challenges, risks and opportunities before us.

        Looking forward, management has identified certain challenges and risks that demand the attention of the beverage industry and our Company. Of these, four key challenges and risks are discussed below.

        Obesity and Inactive Lifestyles.    Increasing consumer, public health and government awareness of the health problems arising from obesity and inactive lifestyles represents a significant challenge to our industry. We recognize that obesity is a complex and serious public health problem. Our commitment to consumers begins with our broad product line, which includes a wide selection of diet and light beverages, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks and water products. Our commitment also includes adhering to responsible policies in schools and in the marketplace; supporting programs to encourage physical activity and to promote nutrition education; and continuously meeting changing consumer needs through beverage innovation, choice and variety. We are committed to playing an appropriate role in helping address this issue in cooperation with governments, educators and consumers through science-based solutions and programs. As part of that commitment, in 2004, our Company created The Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness (the "Institute"), which is based in Houston, Texas. The Institute is an organization that supports scientific research, education and outreach with a primary focus on beverages. The Institute supports research to help better understand the role that beverages can play in diets and health in both developed and developing countries around the world. This effort may lead to the creation of new beverage products by the Company in addition to providing health and nutrition education.

        Water Quality and Quantity.    Water quality and quantity is an issue that increasingly requires our Company's attention and collaboration with the beverage industry, governments, nongovernmental organizations and communities where we operate. Water is the main ingredient in every product the beverage industry offers. It is also a limited natural resource facing unprecedented challenges from over-exploitation, increasing pollution and poor management.

        Our Company and the beverage industry are in an excellent position to share the water expertise we have developed in the communities we serve—in source management, unique multiple barrier water treatment, advanced wastewater treatment systems, rainwater harvesting and use of emerging innovative technologies such as desalination. As demand for water continues to increase around the world, we expect commitment and continued action on our part will be crucial in the successful long-term stewardship of this critical natural resource.

        Evolving Consumer Preferences.    Consumers want more choices. We are impacted by shifting customer demographics and needs, on-the-go lifestyles, aging populations in developed markets and consumers who are empowered with more information than ever. We are committed to generating new avenues for growth through our core brands with a focus on diet and light products. We are also committed to providing consumers with a wide variety of choices to meet these needs, desires and lifestyle choices.

        Increased Competition and Capabilities in the Marketplace.    Our Company is facing strong competition from some well established global companies and many local players. We must continue to selectively expand into other profitable segments of the nonalcoholic beverage industry and re-energize our marketing and innovation in order to maintain our brand loyalty and share.

        All four of these challenges and risks—obesity and inactive lifestyles, water quality and quantity, evolving consumer preferences and increased competition—have the potential to have a material adverse effect on the beverage industry and on our Company; however, we believe our Company is well positioned to appropriately address these challenges and risks.

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Financial Strategies and Risk Management

        The following strategies are intended to optimize our cost of capital. We consider these strategies to be of critical importance in pursuing our goal of maximizing shareowner value.

        Our Company maintains debt levels we consider prudent based on our cash flow, interest coverage ratio and percentage of debt to capital. We use debt financing to lower our overall cost of capital, which increases our return on shareowners' equity.

        As of December 31, 2004, our long-term debt was rated "A+" by Standard & Poor's and "Aa3" by Moody's, and our commercial paper program was rated "A-1" and "P-1" by Standard & Poor's and Moody's, respectively. In assessing our credit strength, both Standard & Poor's and Moody's consider our capital structure and financial policies as well as aggregated balance sheet and other financial information for the Company and certain bottlers, including CCE and Coca-Cola HBC. While the Company has no legal obligation for the debt of these bottlers, the rating agencies believe the strategic importance of the bottlers to the Company's business model provides the Company with an incentive to keep these bottlers viable. If our credit ratings were reduced by the rating agencies, our interest expense could increase. Additionally, if certain bottlers' credit ratings were to decline, the Company's share of equity income could be reduced as a result of the potential increase in interest expense for these bottlers.

        The rating agencies monitor our interest coverage ratio. Rating agencies often exclude unusual items from the calculation; however, we calculated our ratio based on our reported results. Generally, this ratio is computed as income before taxes plus interest expense and capitalized interest divided by the sum of interest expense and capitalized interest. Our interest coverage ratios were 33x, 32x and 28x, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Refer to the heading "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

        We monitor our interest coverage ratio and, as previously indicated, the rating agencies consider our ratio in assessing our credit ratings. However, as described above, the rating agencies aggregate financial data for certain bottlers with our Company when assessing our debt rating. As such, the key measure to rating agencies is the aggregate interest coverage ratio of the Company and certain bottlers. Both Standard & Poor's and Moody's employ different aggregation methodologies and have different thresholds for the aggregate interest coverage ratio. These thresholds are not necessarily permanent nor are they fully disclosed to our Company.

        Our global presence and strong capital position give us access to key financial markets around the world, enabling us to raise funds with a low effective cost. This posture, coupled with active management of our mix of short-term and long-term debt, results in a lower overall cost of borrowing. Our debt management policies, in conjunction with our share repurchase programs and investment activity, can result in current liabilities exceeding current assets.

        In managing our use of debt, we also monitor the following financial measures:

December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
Net debt (in billions)1   $  0.4   $  1.9   $  3.0  
Net debt-to-net capital1   2.5 % 12.1 % 20.3 %
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges   25.8 x 24.6 x 23.2 x

 
1 Refer to the heading "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

        Our Company monitors the financial measures discussed above in conjunction with our mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt and other business and financial risks. The above financial measures trended positively in 2004 and 2003, reflecting improved business results and effective capital management strategies.

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        In October 1996, our Board of Directors authorized a plan (the "1996 Plan") to repurchase up to 206 million shares of our Company's common stock through 2006. The table below presents shares repurchased and average price per share under the 1996 Plan:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002

Number of shares repurchased (in millions)   38   33   14
Average price per share   $  46.33   $  44.33   $  48.42

        Since the inception of our initial share repurchase program in 1984 through our current program as of December 31, 2004, we have purchased more than 1 billion shares of our Company's common stock. This represents 34.5 percent of the shares outstanding as of January 1, 1984 at an average price per share of $15.14.

        We expect to repurchase at least $2 billion of the Company's common stock in 2005. Because we expect our operating cash flows to increase, we also expect to increase repurchases of the Company's common stock in subsequent years.

        At its February 2005 meeting, our Board of Directors again increased our quarterly dividend by 12 percent, raising it to $0.28 per share, equivalent to a full-year dividend of $1.12 per share in 2005. This is our 43rd consecutive annual increase. Our annual common stock dividend was $1.00 per share, $0.88 per share and $0.80 per share in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The 2004 dividend represented a 14 percent increase from 2003, and the 2003 dividend represented a 10 percent increase from 2002.

        Our Company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, adverse fluctuations in commodity prices and other market risks. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. As a matter of policy, all our derivative positions are used to reduce risk by hedging an underlying economic exposure. Because of the high correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure, fluctuations in the value of the instruments are generally offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying exposure. Virtually all of our derivatives are straightforward, over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets.

        Foreign Currency.    We manage most of our foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows us to net certain exposures and take advantage of any natural offsets. Approximately 78 percent of 2004 operating income was generated outside the United States; therefore, weakness in one particular currency is often offset by strengths in others over time. We use derivative financial instruments to further reduce our net exposure to currency fluctuations.

        Our Company enters into forward exchange contracts and purchases currency options (principally euro and Japanese yen) and collars to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, we enter into forward exchange contracts to offset the earnings impact relating to exchange rate fluctuations on certain monetary assets and liabilities. We also enter into forward exchange contracts as hedges of net investments in international operations.

        Interest Rates.    We monitor our mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt, as well as our mix of term debt versus nonterm debt. This monitoring includes a review of business and other financial risks as noted above. We also enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage these risks.

        Value at Risk.    We monitor our exposure to financial market risks using several objective measurement systems, including value-at-risk models. Our value-at-risk calculations use a historical simulation model to

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estimate potential future losses in the fair value of our derivatives and other financial instruments that could occur as a result of adverse movements in foreign currency and interest rates. We have not considered the potential impact of favorable movements in foreign currency and interest rates on our calculations. We examined historical weekly returns over the previous 10 years to calculate our value at risk. The average value at risk represents the simple average of quarterly amounts over the past year. As a result of our foreign currency value-at-risk calculations, we estimate with 95 percent confidence that the fair values of our foreign currency derivatives and other financial instruments, over a one-week period, would decline by less than $17 million, $26 million and $34 million, respectively, using 2004, 2003 or 2002 average fair values and by less than $18 million and $28 million, respectively, using December 31, 2004 and 2003 fair values. According to our interest rate value-at-risk calculations, we estimate with 95 percent confidence that any increase in our net interest expense due to an adverse move in our 2004 average or in our December 31, 2004 interest rates over a one-week period would not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our December 31, 2003 and 2002 estimates were not material to our consolidated financial statements.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

        Management discussed with our Audit Committee the development, selection and disclosure of our critical accounting policies and estimates and the application of these policies and estimates.

        Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Our Company consolidates all entities that we control by ownership of a majority voting interest as well as variable interest entities for which our Company is the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 1 for a discussion of variable interest entities.

        We use the equity method to account for investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Our consolidated net income includes our Company's share of the net earnings of these companies. The difference between consolidation and the equity method impacts certain financial ratios because of the presentation of the detailed line items reported in the financial statements. However, our consolidated net income for the period and our shareowners' equity at the end of the period are the same whether the investment in the company is accounted for under the equity method or the company is consolidated. Our judgments regarding the level of influence over each equity method investment include considering key factors such as our ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material intercompany transactions.

        We use the cost method to account for investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate. We record dividend income when applicable dividends are declared.

        Our Company eliminates from financial results all significant intercompany transactions, including the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.

        Effective February 2002, our Company acquired control of Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetraenke AG ("CCEAG"), the largest bottler of the Company's beverage products in Germany. Under our policy, we concluded that CCEAG should be consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. Prior to February 2002, our Company accounted for CCEAG under the equity method of accounting. At that time, our Company had approximately 41 percent ownership interest in the outstanding shares of CCEAG. In February 2002, in accordance with the terms of the Control and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement ("CPL"), our Company obtained control of CCEAG for a period of up to five years. Furthermore, we also entered into a Pooling Agreement with certain shareowners of CCEAG that provided our Company with voting control of CCEAG. In return for control of CCEAG, the Company guaranteed annual payments in lieu of dividends by CCEAG, to all other CCEAG shareowners. Additionally, all other CCEAG shareowners entered into either a put or a put/call option agreement with the Company, exercisable at any time up to December 31, 2006. Our Company entered

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into either put or put/call agreements for shares representing an approximately 59 percent interest in CCEAG. The spread in the strike prices of the put and call options is approximately 3 percent.

        Because the terms of the CPL transferred control and all the economic risks and rewards of CCEAG to the Company immediately, we determined consolidation was appropriate. Refer to Note 18.

        In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("Interpretation 46" or "FIN 46"). We adopted Interpretation 46 on March 31, 2004. Refer to Note 1.

        Management's assessment of the recoverability of noncurrent assets involves critical accounting estimates. The assessments reflect management's best assumptions and estimates. Factors that management must estimate when performing impairment tests include, among others, sales volume, prices, inflation, cost of capital, marketing spending, foreign currency exchange rates, tax rates and capital spending. These factors are often interdependent and therefore do not change in isolation. Significant management judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties; however, the assumptions we use are consistent with our internal planning. Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based on the conditions that influence these factors. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events, and thus our accounting estimates may change from period to period. If other assumptions and estimates had been used in the current period, the balances for noncurrent assets could have been materially impacted. Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be materially impacted.

        Operating in more than 200 countries subjects our Company to many uncertainties and risks related to various economic, political and regulatory environments. Refer to the headings "Our Business—Challenges, Risks and Opportunities" and "Forward-Looking Statements." As a result, many assumptions must be made by management when determining the recoverability of noncurrent assets.

        For the noncurrent assets listed in the table below, we perform tests of impairment, as appropriate. For applicable assets, we perform tests when certain conditions exist that may indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. For other assets, we perform tests at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired:

December 31, 2004   Carrying Value   Percentage
of Total
Assets

(In millions except percentages)        

Tested for impairment when conditions exist that indicate carrying value may not be recoverable:

 

 

 

 
  Equity method investments   $    5,897   19
  Cost method investments, principally bottling companies   355   1
  Other assets   3,054   10
  Property, plant and equipment, net   6,091   19
  Amortized intangible assets, net (various, principally trademarks)   164   1
   
 
    Total   $  15,561   50

Tested for impairment at least annually or when events indicate that an asset may be impaired:

 

 

 

 
  Trademarks with indefinite lives   $    2,037   7
  Goodwill   1,097   3
  Bottlers' franchise rights   374   1
  Other intangible assets not subject to amortization   164   1
   
 
    Total   $    3,672   12

        Many of the noncurrent assets listed above are located in markets that we consider to be developing or to have changing political environments. These markets include Germany, where the nonreturnable deposit law

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creates uncertainty; the Middle East and Egypt, where political and civil unrest continues; India, where affordability remains an issue; and certain markets in Latin America, Asia and Africa where local economic and political conditions are unstable. In many of these markets, the Company has bottling assets and investments. The list below reflects the Company's carrying value of noncurrent assets which, by nature, involve inherent risks not relevant to assets located in developed or stable markets.

December 31, 2004   Carrying
Value
  Percentage of
Applicable
Line Item Above

(In millions except percentages)        

Tested for impairment when conditions exist that indicate carrying value may not be recoverable:

 

 

 

 
  Equity method investments   $     462   8
  Cost method investments, principally bottling companies   107   30
  Other assets   95   3
  Property, plant and equipment, net   2,040   33
  Amortized intangible assets, net (various, principally trademarks)   78   48
   
   
    Total   $  2,782   18

Tested for impairment at least annually or when events indicate that an asset may be impaired:

 

 

 

 
  Trademarks with indefinite lives   $     222   11
  Goodwill   0   0
  Bottlers' franchise rights   142   38
  Other intangible assets not subject to amortization   40   24
   
   
    Total   $     404   11

        Equity Method and Cost Method Investments.    Every reporting period the Company reviews its equity and cost method investments to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on the fair value of each investment. When such events or changes occur, the Company evaluates the fair value compared to the carrying value of the related investments. The Company also performs this evaluation every reporting period for any investments for which the carrying value has exceeded the fair value. For most publicly traded investments, the fair value of our Company's investment is often readily available based on quoted market prices. For non-publicly traded investments, management's assessment of fair value is based on valuation methodologies including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds and external appraisals, as appropriate. The ability to accurately predict future cash flows, especially in developing and unstable markets, may impact the determination of fair value.

        In the event a decline in fair value of an investment occurs, management may be required to determine if the decline in market value is other than temporary. Management's assessments as to the nature of a decline in fair value are based on the valuation methodologies discussed above, our ability and intent to hold the investment and whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the contrary. We consider our equity method investees to be strategic long-term investments; therefore, we generally complete our assessments with a long-term viewpoint. If the fair value is less than the carrying value and the decline in value is considered to be other than temporary, an appropriate write-down is recorded. Management's assessments of fair value in accordance with these valuation methodologies represent our best estimates as of the time of the impairment review and are consistent with our internal planning. If different fair values were estimated, this could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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        The following table presents the difference between calculated fair values, based on quoted closing prices of publicly traded shares, and our Company's carrying values for significant publicly traded bottlers accounted for as equity method investees (in millions):

December 31, 2004   Fair
Value
  Carrying
Value
  Difference    

   
Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.   $  3,522   $  1,569   $  1,953    
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V.   1,720   792   928    
Coca-Cola Amatil Limited   1,539   736   803    
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A.   1,353   1,067   286    
Grupo Continental, S.A.   298   174   124    
Coca-Cola Embonor S.A.   156   153   3    
Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated   142   63   79    
Coca-Cola West Japan Company Ltd.   104   132   (28 ) 1
Embotelladoras Polar S.A.   59   46   13    

   
    $  8,893   $  4,732   $  4,161    

   
1 The current decline in value is considered to be temporary.

        Other Assets.    Our Company invests in infrastructure programs with our bottlers that are directed at strengthening our bottling system and increasing unit case volume. Additionally, our Company advances payments to certain customers to fund future marketing activities intended to generate profitable volume and expenses such payments over the applicable period. Advance payments are also made to certain customers for distribution rights. Payments under these programs are generally capitalized and reported as other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of these assets by preparing estimates of sales volume, gross profit, cash flows and other factors. If the assets are assessed to be recoverable, they are amortized over the periods benefited. If the carrying value of these assets is considered to be not recoverable, such assets are written down as appropriate.

        Property, Plant and Equipment.    Certain events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the recoverability of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment should be assessed. Such events or changes may include a significant decrease in market value, a significant change in the business climate in a particular market, or a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with historical losses or projected future losses. If an event occurs or changes in circumstances are present, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value.

        Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets.    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," classifies intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization; (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization; and (3) goodwill. For intangible assets with definite lives, tests for impairment must be performed if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. For intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill, tests for impairment must be performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. Such tests for impairment are also required for intangible assets recorded by our equity method investees.

        Our trademarks and other intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, we review such trademarks and other intangible assets with definite lives for impairment to ensure they are appropriately valued. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a market or a change in the assessment of future operations. Trademarks and other intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized. We test such trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired.

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Goodwill is not amortized. We perform tests for impairment of goodwill annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired. Such tests include comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. We use a variety of methodologies in conducting these impairment assessments including cash flow analyses, estimates of sales proceeds and independent appraisals. Where applicable, we use an appropriate discount rate, based on the Company's cost of capital rate or location-specific economic factors.

        In 2004, our Company recorded impairment charges related to intangible assets of approximately $374 million, primarily related to franchise rights at CCEAG in the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment. The CCEAG impairment was the result of our revised outlook for the German market, which has been unfavorably impacted by volume declines resulting from market shifts away from our branded products related to the deposit law on nonreturnable beverage packages and the corresponding lack of availability of our products in the discount retail channel. The deposit law in Germany has led to discount chains creating proprietary packages that can only be returned to their own stores. These proprietary packages are continuing to gain market share and customer acceptance. We determined the amount of the impairment by comparing the fair value of the intangible assets to the current carrying value. Fair values were derived using discounted cash flow analyses with a number of scenarios that were weighted based on the probability of different outcomes. Because the fair value was less than the carrying value of the assets, we recorded an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the assets to fair value. These impairment charges are recorded in the line item other operating charges in our consolidated statement of income for 2004. Our Company is evaluating our strategies for the German operations, including addressing significant structural issues that limit the system's ability to respond effectively to the evolving retail and consumer landscape, assessing market changes and determining our expectations related to the political environment. We have concluded that, in order to better serve our customers and control the costs in our supply chain, we need to simplify our bottling and distribution operations in Germany and work toward a single bottler system. As a result, we have informed our independent bottling partners in Germany that their Bottlers' Agreements will not be renewed when they expire, from 2007 through 2011. Further changes in our business plan, the political environment or market shifts could result in future charges. Management will continue to monitor these factors.

        At the end of 2004, the German government passed an amendment to the mandatory deposit legislation that will require retailers, including discount chains, to accept returns of each type of non-refillable beverage containers which they sell, regardless of where the beverage container type was purchased. In addition, the mandatory deposit requirement was expanded to other beverage categories. The amendment allows for a transition period to enable manufacturers and retailers to establish a national take-back system for non-refillable containers. The transition period is expected to last at least until mid-2006. Therefore, we expect 2005 to continue to be a challenging time for our business in Germany.

        Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish reserves at the time that we determine that it is probable that we will be liable to pay additional taxes related to certain matters. We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit.

        A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have established a reserve, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we record a reserve when we determine the likelihood of loss is probable. Such liabilities are recorded in the line item accrued income taxes in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Settlement of any particular issue would usually require the use of cash. Favorable resolutions of tax matters for which we have previously established reserves are recognized as a reduction to our income tax expense when the amounts involved become known.

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        Tax law requires items to be included in the tax return at different times than when these items are reflected in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, our annual tax rate reflected in our consolidated financial statements is different than that reported in our tax return (our cash tax rate). Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These timing differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The tax rates used to determine deferred tax assets or liabilities are the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Based on the evaluation of all available information, the Company recognizes future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, to the extent that realizing these benefits is considered more likely than not.

        We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by analyzing our forecasted taxable income using both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing temporary differences, taxable income in prior carry-back years (if permitted) and the availability of tax planning strategies. A valuation allowance is required to be established unless management determines that it is more likely than not that the Company will ultimately realize the tax benefit associated with a deferred tax asset.

        Additionally, undistributed earnings of a subsidiary are accounted for as a temporary difference except that deferred tax liabilities are not recorded for undistributed earnings of a foreign subsidiary that are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested in the foreign jurisdiction. The Company has formulated a specific plan for reinvestment of undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries which demonstrates that such earnings will be indefinitely reinvested in the applicable jurisdictions. Should we change our plans, we would be required to record a significant amount of deferred tax liabilities.

        In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Jobs Creation Act") was signed into law. The Jobs Creation Act includes a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate foreign earnings at an effective 5.25 percent tax rate. Such repatriations must occur in either an enterprise's last tax year that began before the enactment date, or the first tax year that begins during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment.

        The FASB staff believes that the lack of clarification of certain provisions within the Jobs Creation Act and the timing of the enactment necessitate a practical exception to the SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," ("SFAS No. 109") requirement to reflect the effect of a new tax law in the period of enactment. Accordingly, an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Creation Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109.

        Our Company is currently considering the effects of the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Creation Act. As of December 31, 2004, management had not decided on whether, and to what extent, we might repatriate foreign earnings under the Jobs Creation Act and, accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for 2004 do not reflect any provision for taxes on unremitted foreign earnings that may be repatriated under the Jobs Creation Act. In 2004, our Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $50 million as a result of the realization of certain tax credits related to other provisions of the Jobs Creation Act.

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        The Company estimates our effective tax rate for 2005 will be approximately 25 percent. This estimated tax rate does not reflect the impact of the Jobs Creation Act and any unusual or special items that may affect our tax rate in any future period. Refer to Note 15.

        Our Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to legal proceedings. Refer to Note 11. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties including, but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental actions. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and accrues a liability and/or discloses the relevant circumstances, as appropriate. Management believes that any liability to the Company that may arise as a result of currently pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.

        The Company is a party to various legal proceedings in which we are seeking to be reimbursed for costs that we have incurred in the past. Although none of these reimbursements has been realized at this time, the Company expects final resolution of certain matters in 2005. Management believes that any gains to the Company that may arise as a result of the final resolutions of these matters will not have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.

37


Operations Review

Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income

                Percent Change
 
Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002   04 vs. 03   03 vs. 02  

 
(In millions except per share data and percentages)                      

NET OPERATING REVENUES

 

$  21,962

 

$  21,044

 

$  19,564

 

4

 

8

 
Cost of goods sold   7,638   7,762   7,105   (2 ) 9  

 
GROSS PROFIT   14,324   13,282   12,459   8   7  
GROSS PROFIT MARGIN   65.2 % 63.1 % 63.7 %        
Selling, general and administrative expenses   8,146   7,488   7,001   9   7  
Other operating charges   480   573     (16 ) *  

 
OPERATING INCOME   5,698   5,221   5,458   9   (4 )
OPERATING MARGIN   25.9 % 24.8 % 27.9 %        
Interest income   157   176   209   (11 ) (16 )
Interest expense   196   178   199   10   (11 )
Equity income—net   621   406   384   53   6  
Other income (loss)—net   (82 ) (138 ) (353 ) *   *  
Gains on issuances of stock by equity investees   24   8     *   *  

 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   6,222   5,495   5,499   13    
Income taxes   1,375   1,148   1,523   20   (25 )
Effective tax rate   22.1 % 20.9 % 27.7 %        
NET INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   4,847   4,347   3,976   12   9  
Cumulative effect of accounting change for SFAS No. 142, net of income taxes:                      
    Company operations       (367 ) *   *  
    Equity investees       (559 ) *   *  

 
NET INCOME   $    4,847   $    4,347   $    3,050   12   43  

 
PERCENTAGE OF NET OPERATING REVENUES   22.1 % 20.7 % 15.6 %        

 
NET INCOME PER SHARE:                      
  Basic   $      2.00   $      1.77   $      1.23   13   44  

 
  Diluted   $      2.00   $      1.77   $      1.23   13   44  

 
OTHER KEY FINANCIAL MEASURES1                      
  Total debt-to-total capital   31.1 % 27.8 % 31.2 %        
  Net debt-to-net capital   2.5 % 12.1 % 20.3 %        
  Return on average shareowners' equity   32.3 % 33.6 % 34.3 %        
  Return on average total capital   23.5 % 24.5 % 24.5 %        

 
1 Refer to the heading "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

*

Calculation is not meaningful.

Refer to the above Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income while reading the operations review discussion below.

38


        Net operating revenues increased by $918 million in 2004 versus 2003. Net operating revenues increased by $1,480 million in 2003 versus 2002.

        The following table indicates, on a percentage basis, the estimated impact of key factors resulting in significant increases (decreases) in net operating revenues:

    Percent Change
 
    2004 vs. 2003   2003 vs. 2002  

 
Increase in gallon sales, including acquisitions   2 % 3 %
Structural changes   (3 ) (1 )
Price and product/geographic mix   0   1  
Impact of currency fluctuations versus the U.S. dollar   5   5  

 
Total percentage increase   4 % 8 %

 

        Our gallon sales increased by 2 percent in 2004 primarily due to a 3 percent increase in Asia, a 4 percent increase in Africa and a 3 percent increase in Latin America. North America gallon sales increased by 2 percent as the Foodservice and Hospitality Division grew by 4 percent and the Retail Division increased by 1 percent. Europe was even as growth in Turkey, Russia and Spain was offset by declines in Germany. The decrease in Germany was primarily the result of market shifts related to the deposit law on non-refillable beverage packages and the corresponding lack of availability of our products in the discount retail channel. For a discussion of the operating environment in Germany, refer to the heading "Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets." Our Company is evaluating our strategies for the German operations, including addressing significant structural issues that limit the system's ability to respond effectively to the evolving retail and consumer landscape, assessing market changes and determining our expectations related to the political environment. We expect the German market environment to remain difficult throughout 2005. We will continue to focus on improving our short-term performance and strengthening our system's long-term capabilities.

        Company-wide gallon sales growth of 2 percent was in line with unit case volume growth. However, in North America, gallon sales increased by 2 percent in 2004 compared to 2003 while unit case volume was flat in 2004 due to lower gallon sales in 2003, additional 2004 shipments related to new product introductions, changes in our shipping routes and higher than expected year end sales. Gallon sales in Asia were 2 percent behind unit case volume due to structural changes that took place in 2003 (see discussion below). Gallon sales and unit case volume are not necessarily equal during any given period. Items such as seasonality, bottlers' inventory practices, supply point changes, timing of price increases and new product introductions can create differences between gallon sales and unit case volume. For a more detailed discussion on unit case volume, refer to the heading "Volume."

        "Structural changes" refers to acquisitions or dispositions of bottling or canning operations, and consolidation or deconsolidation of entities for accounting purposes. Effective October 1, 2003, the Company and all of our bottling partners in Japan created a nationally integrated supply chain management company to centralize procurement, production and logistics operations for the entire Coca-Cola system in Japan. As a result, a portion of our Company's business has essentially been converted from a finished product business model to a concentrate business model. This shift of certain products to a concentrate business model resulted in reductions in our revenues and cost of goods sold, each in the same amount. This change in the business model did not impact gross profit. The decrease in net revenues from 2003 to 2004 attributable to the Japan structural change was approximately $780 million, which was partially offset by an approximately $260 million increase in revenues associated with the consolidation as of March 31, 2004 of certain bottling operations that are considered variable interest entities. Refer to Note 1.

39



        The impact of currency fluctuations versus the U.S. dollar in 2004 was driven primarily by the stronger euro which favorably impacted the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment, and the stronger yen which favorably impacted the Asia operating segment. Refer to the heading "Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position—Exchange."

        The increase in gallon sales in 2003 included the favorable impact of the consolidation of full year results in 2003 for 2002 acquisitions. In the second quarter of 2002, our Company entered into a long-term license agreement involving Seagram's mixers, a carbonated line of drinks. In the third quarter of 2002, our Company and DWNA formed a new joint venture company, CCDA, for the production, marketing and distribution of DWNA's bottled spring and source water business in the United States. We own a controlling 51 percent interest in the joint venture company, with a license for the use of the Dannon and Sparkletts brands as well as ownership of several value brands. Also in the third quarter of 2002, we entered into a master distribution agreement for the Evian water brand in the United States and Canada. Gallons shipped in 2003 increased when compared to 2002 as a result of owning and operating these businesses throughout 2003 compared to only owning and operating them for a portion of 2002.

        Structural changes resulted in a decrease in net operating revenues in 2003 compared to 2002 due partially to the deconsolidation of Cosmos Bottling Corporation ("CBC") during the second quarter of 2003 and the creation of a national supply chain company in Japan effective October 1, 2003 as discussed above. This decrease was partially offset by the inclusion of one additional month of revenue from CCEAG. CCEAG was consolidated in February 2002; therefore, the 2002 period contained only 11 months of CCEAG revenues versus the full year in 2003.

        The size and timing of structural changes, including acquisitions or disposition of bottling and canning operations, do not occur consistently from period to period. As a result, anticipating the impact of such events on future increases or decreases in net operating revenues (and other financial statement line items) usually is not possible. However, we expect to continue to sell bottling and canning interests and buy bottling and canning interests in limited circumstances and, as a result, structural changes will continue to affect our consolidated financial statements in future periods.

        The impact of currency fluctuations versus the U.S. dollar in 2003 was driven primarily by the stronger euro which favorably impacted the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment and the stronger yen which favorably impacted the Asia operating segment. This impact was partially offset by generally weaker currencies negatively impacting our Latin America operating segment.

        Information about our net operating revenues by operating segment on a percentage basis is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
North America   30.2 % 30.1 % 32.0 %
Africa   4.9   3.9   3.5  
Asia   21.3   24.0   25.8  
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   32.8   31.2   26.9  
Latin America   9.7   9.7   10.7  
Corporate   1.1   1.1   1.1  

 
Net operating revenues   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

 

        The percentage contribution to net operating revenues by Africa increased in 2004 due to significant volume increases in South Africa as a result of successful marketing strategies, favorable currency rates and the consolidation of our bottling operations in Egypt under Interpretation 46. The percentage contribution to net operating revenues by Asia declined in 2004 due to the creation of an integrated supply chain management company in Japan, partially offset by favorable currency rates. The percentage contribution to net operating

40



revenues by Europe, Eurasia and Middle East increased in 2004 primarily due to favorable currency rates, partially offset by decreased sales in Germany.

        The percentage contribution to net operating revenues by Europe, Eurasia and Middle East significantly increased in 2003 due to innovation, strong marketing strategies, positive currency exchange rate trends and favorable weather during the summer months.

        Gross profit margin was approximately 2 percentage points higher in 2004 versus 2003. This increase was primarily the result of the creation of a nationally integrated supply chain management company in Japan in October 2003 partially offset by the consolidation as of March 31, 2004 of variable interest entities under Interpretation 46. Generally, bottling and finished product operations, such as our Japan tea business that was integrated into the supply chain company, produce higher net revenues but lower gross profit margins compared to concentrate and syrup operations.

        The decrease in 2003 gross profit margin versus 2002 was primarily the result of the inclusion of higher-revenue, lower-margin CCEAG, CCDA and Evian results for the full year of 2003. These results were partially offset by the creation of the nationally integrated supply chain management company in Japan, the deconsolidation of CBC during the second quarter of 2003 and the receipt during the first quarter of 2003 of a settlement of approximately $52 million from certain defendants in a vitamin antitrust litigation. Refer to Note 16.

        The following table sets forth the significant components of selling, general and administrative expenses (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002

Selling expenses   $  3,296   $  3,157   $  2,978
Advertising expenses   2,165   1,822   1,712
General and administrative expenses   2,340   2,102   1,946
Stock-based compensation expense   345   407   365

Selling, general and administrative expenses   $  8,146   $  7,488   $  7,001

        Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately 9 percent higher in 2004 versus 2003. Approximately 3 percentage points of this increase were due to an overall weaker U.S. dollar (especially compared to the euro and Japanese yen). Increased selling expenses were due to increased delivery costs related to our Company's finished products business and structural changes. Increased advertising expenses were the result of investments in marketing activities, such as the launch of new products in North America and Japan. Additionally, general and administrative expenses increased due to higher legal expenses, asset write-offs and structural changes. Finally, we received a $75 million insurance settlement related to the class-action lawsuit that was settled in 2000. The Company subsequently donated $75 million to the Coca-Cola Foundation. Beginning in 2005, our Company plans to increase our marketing and innovation spending by approximately $400 million in 2005 and intends to maintain the increased spending level for the foreseeable future.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately 7 percent higher in 2003 versus 2002. Approximately 4 percentage points of this increase was due to an overall weaker U.S. dollar (primarily compared to the euro). These expenses also increased by $75 million as a result of increases for benefit plans including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans. Selling expenses increased by approximately $32 million due to the inclusion of one additional month of operations for CCEAG in 2003 compared to 2002. The Seagram's mixers, CCDA and Evian

41



transactions during 2002 resulted in an increase of approximately $43 million in selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of including full-year expenses in 2003 compared to only a portion of 2002. These increases were partially offset by effective management of operating expenses.

        As discussed in Notes 1 and 13, effective January 1, 2002, our Company adopted the preferable fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and selected the modified prospective transition method under the provisions of SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." Prior to 2002, our Company accounted for stock-based compensation under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25"), and related interpretations. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, stock-based compensation expense was recognized as if the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 had been applied from its original effective date.

        The other operating charges incurred by operating segment were as follows (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003

North America   $    18   $  273
Africa     12
Asia   15   18
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   377   183
Latin America   6   20
Corporate   64   67

Total   $  480   $  573

        Other operating charges in 2004 reflected the impact of approximately $480 million of expenses primarily related to impairment charges for franchise rights and certain manufacturing assets. The Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment accounted for approximately $377 million of the impairment charges, which were primarily related to the impairment of franchise rights at CCEAG. For a discussion of the operating environment in Germany, refer to the heading "Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets." The Corporate operating segment accounted for approximately $64 million of the impairment charges, which were primarily related to the impairment of certain manufacturing assets.

        Operating income in 2003 reflected the impact of approximately $561 million of expenses related to the 2003 streamlining initiatives. A majority of the charges related to initiatives in North America and Germany. In North America, the Company integrated the operations of three separate North American business units—Coca-Cola North America, The Minute Maid Company and Coca-Cola Fountain. In Germany, CCEAG took steps to improve its efficiency in sales, distribution and manufacturing, and our German Division office also implemented streamlining initiatives. Selected other operations also took steps to streamline their operations to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.

        These initiatives resulted in the separation of approximately 3,700 associates in 2003, primarily in North America, Germany and Asia. As a result of these streamlining initiatives, apart from the charge to 2003 earnings of $561 million, we estimate that the Company's financial results benefited by approximately $50 million (pretax) in 2003 and $100 million (pretax) in 2004. Refer to Note 17.

42



        Information about our operating income by operating segment on a percentage basis is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
North America   28.2 % 24.6 % 28.1 %
Africa   6.0   4.8   4.1  
Asia   30.9   32.4   33.3  
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   33.3   36.5   29.5  
Latin America   18.7   18.6   19.0  
Corporate   (17.1 ) (16.9 ) (14.0 )

 
Operating income   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

 

        Information about our operating margin by operating segment is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
North America   24.2 % 20.2 % 24.4 %
Africa   31.9   30.1   32.7  
Asia   37.5   33.5   36.0  
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   26.4   29.1   30.6  
Latin America   50.4   47.5   49.4  
Corporate   *   *   *  

 
Operating margin   25.9 % 24.8 % 27.9 %

 

*  Calculation is not meaningful.

 

        As demonstrated by the table above, the percentage contribution to operating income and operating margin by each operating segment fluctuated from year to year. Operating income and operating margin by operating segment was influenced by a variety of factors and events, primarily the following:

43


        In 2004, interest income decreased by $19 million compared to 2003 primarily due to lower interest income earned on short-term investments and interest income in 2003 related to certain tax receivables. While our Company's average short-term investment balances increased during 2004, significant amounts of these balances were held in lower interest earning locations than in prior years while the Company analyzed the impact of the Jobs Creation Act. Interest expense in 2004 increased by $18 million primarily as a result of higher average interest rates and higher average balances on commercial paper borrowings in the United States.

        In 2003, interest income decreased by $33 million compared to 2002 primarily due to lower interest rates on short-term investments. Nevertheless, the Company benefited from cash invested in locations outside the United States earning higher interest rates than could be obtained within the United States. Conversely, a majority of our interest expense was incurred on borrowings in the United States. Interest expense in 2003 decreased by $21 million primarily as a result of both a decrease in average commercial paper debt balances and lower interest rates for commercial paper borrowings.

        Our Company's share of income from equity method investments for 2004 totaled $621 million compared to $406 million in 2003, an increase of $215 million or 53 percent. Equity income for 2004 benefited by approximately $37 million from our proportionate share of a favorable tax settlement related to Coca-Cola FEMSA. Additionally, our equity income for 2003 was negatively impacted by a $102 million charge primarily related to Coca-Cola FEMSA, as described below. Comparing 2004 to 2003, our equity income also benefited from favorable pricing at key bottling operations; the positive impact of the strength of most key currencies versus the U.S. dollar, especially a stronger euro; and the overall improving health of the Coca-Cola bottling system in most of the world.

        Equity income from a majority of our investees increased during 2003 due to the overall improving health of the Coca-Cola bottling system around the world.

        Effective May 6, 2003, one of our Company's Latin American equity method investees, Coca-Cola FEMSA, consummated a merger with another of the Company's Latin American equity method investees, Panamerican Beverages, Inc. ("Panamco"). Our Company received new Coca-Cola FEMSA shares in exchange for all the Panamco shares previously held by the Company. Our Company's ownership interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA increased from 30 percent to approximately 40 percent as a result of this merger. This exchange of shares was treated as a nonmonetary exchange of similar productive assets, and no gain was recorded by our Company as a result of this merger.

        In connection with the merger, Coca-Cola FEMSA management initiated steps to streamline and integrate the operations. This process included the closing of various distribution centers and manufacturing plants. Furthermore, due to the challenging economic conditions and an uncertain political situation in Venezuela, certain intangible assets were determined to be impaired and written down to their fair market value. During

44



2003, our Company recorded a noncash charge of $102 million primarily related to our proportionate share of these matters. This charge is included in the line item equity income—net.

        Other income (loss)—net amounted to a net loss of $82 million for 2004 compared to a net loss of $138 million for 2003, a difference of $56 million. Approximately $37 million of this difference is related to a reduction in foreign exchange losses. This line item in 2004 primarily consisted of foreign exchange losses of approximately $39 million and the accretion of $58 million for the discounted value of our liability to purchase CCEAG shares (refer to Note 18), partially offset by the minority shareowners' proportional share of losses on certain consolidated subsidiaries.

        Other income (loss)—net amounted to a net loss of $138 million for 2003 compared to a net loss of $353 million for 2002, a difference of $215 million. The significant portion of this difference related to a $157 million charge primarily related to the write-down of certain investments in Latin America in 2002, and no such charge applied to 2003. This line item in 2003 primarily consisted of foreign exchange losses of $76 million and accretion of $51 million for the discounted value of our liability to purchase CCEAG shares.

        When one of our equity method investees issues additional shares to third parties, our percentage ownership interest in the investee decreases. In the event the issuance price per share is higher or lower than our average carrying amount per share, we recognize a noncash gain or loss on the issuance. This noncash gain or loss, net of any deferred taxes, is generally recognized in our net income in the period the change of ownership interest occurs.

        In 2004, our Company recorded approximately $24 million of noncash pretax gains due to the issuances of stock by CCE. The issuances primarily related to the exercise of CCE stock options by CCE employees at amounts greater than the book value per share of our investment in CCE. These issuances of stock reduced our ownership interest in the total outstanding shares of CCE common stock by approximately 1 percent.

        In 2003, our Company recorded approximately $8 million of noncash pretax gains on issuances of stock by equity method investees. These gains primarily related to the issuance by CCE of common stock valued at an amount greater than the book value per share of our investment in CCE. These issuances of stock reduced our ownership interest in the total outstanding shares of CCE common stock by less than 1 percent.

        No gains on issuances of stock by equity method investees were recorded to our consolidated statements of income during 2002. Refer to Note 3.

        Our effective tax rate reflects tax benefits derived from significant operations outside the United States, which are generally taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent.

        Our effective tax rate of approximately 22.1 percent for the year ended December 31, 2004 included the following:

45


        Our effective tax rate of approximately 20.9 percent for the year ended December 31, 2003 included the following:

        Our effective tax rate of approximately 27.7 percent for the year ended December 31, 2002 included the following:

        Looking into 2005 and for the foreseeable future, based on current tax laws, the Company's effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 25 percent. This expected tax rate does not reflect the effect of any unusual or special items that may affect our tax rate in future periods, including the Jobs Creation Act. Refer to heading "Application of Critical Accounting Policies—Income Tax Expense and Accruals."

        The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 142 as of January 1, 2002 resulted in a noncash, after-tax decrease to net income of $367 million for Company operations and $559 million for the Company's proportionate share of its equity method investees. The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in a pretax reduction in 2002 amortization expense of approximately $60 million, and an increase in 2002 equity income of approximately $150 million. Refer to Notes 1 and 4.

        We measure our sales volume in two ways: (1) gallons and (2) unit cases of finished products. "Gallons" is a unit of measurement for concentrates (sometimes referred to as beverage bases), syrups, finished beverages and powders (in all cases, expressed in equivalent gallons of syrup) for all beverage products which are reportable as unit case volume. Most of our revenues are based on gallon sales, as discussed under Item 1 and the heading "Operations Review—Net Operating Revenues." "Unit cases" is a unit of measurement equal to 192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage (24 eight-ounce servings). Unit case volume represents the number of unit cases of licensed beverage products directly or indirectly sold by the Coca-Cola system to customers. Unit case volume is derived based on estimates supplied by our bottling partners and distributors. Gallon sales and unit case volume are not necessarily equal during any given period. Items such as seasonality, bottlers' inventory practices, supply

46


point changes, timing of price increases and new product introductions can create differences between gallon sales and unit case volume.

        Although most of our Company's revenues are not based directly on unit case volume, we believe unit case volume is one of the measures of the underlying strength of the Coca-Cola system because it measures trends at the consumer level. The Coca-Cola system sold approximately 19.8 billion unit cases of our products in 2004 and approximately 19.4 billion unit cases in 2003. Approximate 2004 and 2003 unit case volume growth results are as follows:

    Percentage Change
    2004 vs. 2003   2003 vs. 2002

Worldwide   2   4
  North America operations   0   2
  International operations—total   3   5
    Africa   3   5
    Asia   5   4
    Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   0   5
    Latin America   3   4

        In the North America operating segment, unit case volume for 2004 was even compared to 2003. The Retail Division had a 1 percent decrease in unit case volume in 2004 versus 2003, primarily due to poor weather in the third quarter, higher retail pricing and lower than expected results from Coca-Cola C2. The Foodservice and Hospitality Division's unit case volume increased 2 percent as a result of effective customer programs and improved restaurant traffic.

        In the Africa operating segment, unit case volume increased by 3 percent in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily as a result of the growth in South Africa, where unit case volume increased by 7 percent and Morocco and Kenya. This increase was partially offset by volume declines in Nigeria due to de-emphasis on less-profitable water packages and weakness in noncore brands and Egypt.

        In the Asia operating segment, unit case volume increased by 5 percent in 2004 versus 2003, primarily led by a 22 percent growth in China as a result of a new advertising campaign, innovative packaging and promotion in the cities, and affordable 200ml packaging in the towns. Japan growth of 4 percent was driven by Trademark Coca-Cola unit case volume growth of 3 percent and trademark Fanta growth of 17 percent. These increases were offset by an 8 percent decline in the Philippines due to affordability and availability issues.

        Unit case volume in the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment was even in 2004 versus 2003, primarily due to limited brand and package availability in the discount retail channel in Germany and poor weather conditions in northern Europe, partially offset by successful promotions and continued positive economic trends in Turkey, Russia and the Middle East.

        Unit case volume for the Latin America operating segment increased by 3 percent in 2004 versus 2003, primarily reflecting strong growth in Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela resulting from the execution of the Company's long-term investment strategy with an emphasis on brand building, new package alternatives and close coordination with bottling partners to drive superior local marketplace execution offset by de-emphasis on large format water and powdered drinks in Mexico.

        In the North America operating segment, unit case volume increased by 2 percent in 2003 compared to 2002 driven by strong contributions from the Diet Coke brands and the national rollout of the Fridge Pack. In addition, performance in the Foodservice and Hospitality Division steadily improved throughout the year as economic conditions and restaurant traffic improved. Further, unit case volume for trademark Sprite increased by 7 percent, POWERade by 21 percent and Dasani by 16 percent during 2003.

47



        The Africa operating segment's unit case volume increased by 5 percent in 2003 compared to 2002, mainly driven by strong growth in South Africa. Trademark Coca-Cola increased by 11 percent during the year in South Africa as a result of continued rollout of the "Real" campaign, a successful summer promotion and strong marketplace execution. In the North and West Africa Division, unit case volume increased by 6 percent, led by strong growth in Morocco and Cameroon, and the expansion into new markets.

        In the Asia operating segment, unit case volume increased by 4 percent in 2003 compared to 2002, reflecting the short-term negative impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ("SARS") and negative publicity related to allegations of a pesticide issue in India. In China, unit case volume increased by 16 percent, as the Company adapted quickly to the SARS crisis and achieved double-digit growth for both carbonated soft drinks and noncarbonated beverages. In Japan, unit case volume declined by 3 percent due to poor weather conditions during the key summer months, which impacted the entire beverage industry. In India, unit case volume increased by 22 percent in 2003 due to the Company's successful affordability strategy and diverse product offering.

        Unit case volume in the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment increased by 5 percent in 2003 compared to 2002. The Italy and Alpine Division grew unit case volume by 11 percent, led by Italy where the Company focused on building the immediate consumption business by revitalizing brand Coca-Cola. In the Eurasia and Middle East Division, unit case volume increased by 9 percent led by Turkey, where a total beverage strategy has been implemented successfully.

        Unit case volume for the Latin America operating segment increased by 4 percent in 2003 compared to 2002. Mexico unit case volume increased by 10 percent during the year, reflecting carbonated soft drink growth of 3 percent, resulting from packaging innovations, new flavor introductions and the effect of the "Real" marketing platform. In Argentina, unit case volume increased by 13 percent during 2003, driven by Trademark Coca-Cola increasing by 19 percent. In Brazil, unit case volume declined by 6 percent during the year as a result of both weak economic conditions and the greater focus on balancing volume growth with margin expansion.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position

        We believe our ability to generate cash from operations is one of our fundamental financial strengths. We expect cash flows from operations to be strong in 2005 and in future years. For the five-year period from 2005 through 2009, we currently estimate that cumulative net cash provided by operating activities will be in excess of $30 billion. Accordingly, our Company expects to meet all our financial commitments and operating needs during this time frame. We expect to use cash generated from operating activities primarily for dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and aggregate contractual obligations.

        Our consolidated statements of cash flows are summarized as follows (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
Net cash provided by operating activities   $  5,968   $  5,456   $    4,742  

 
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities:              
  Acquisitions and investments, principally trademarks and bottling companies   $    (267 ) $    (359 ) $     (544 )
  Purchases of investments and other assets   (46 ) (177 ) (141 )
  Proceeds from disposals of investments and other assets   161   147   243  
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (755 ) (812 ) (851 )
  Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment   341   87   69  
  Other investing activities   63   178   159  

 
Net cash used in investing activities   $    (503 ) $    (936 ) $  (1,065 )

 

48


        Cash flows from operating activities increased by 9 percent for 2004 compared to 2003. The key component was increased profits in 2004 versus 2003. The following items also significantly impacted cash flows provided by operating activities:

        Cash flows from operating activities increased by 15 percent for 2003 compared to 2002. The key component was increased profits in 2003 versus 2002. The following items also significantly impacted cash flows provided by operating activities:

        Purchases of property, plant and equipment accounted for the most significant cash outlays for investing activities in each of the three years ended December 31, 2004. Our Company currently estimates that purchases of property, plant and equipment in 2005 will be less than $1 billion.

        Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment (including our investments in information technology) and the percentage of such totals by operating segment for 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
Capital expenditures (in millions)   $  755   $  812   $  851  

 
North America   32.7 % 38.1 % 39.2 %
Africa   3.7 % 1.6 % 2.1 %
Asia   12.2 % 18.2 % 24.6 %
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   30.9 % 24.4 % 19.0 %
Latin America   5.0 % 4.3 % 4.3 %
Corporate   15.5 % 13.4 % 10.8 %

 

        In 2004, proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment of approximately $341 million related primarily to cash received from the sale of production assets in Japan. Refer to Note 2.

        Acquisitions and investments represented the next most significant investing activity, accounting for $267 million in 2004, $359 million in 2003 and $544 million in 2002. In 2004, cash payments for our acquisition items related primarily to the purchase of trademarks in Latin America.

        In 2003, our single largest acquisition requiring the use of cash was the purchase of a 100 percent ownership interest in Truesdale Packaging Company LLC ("Truesdale") from CCE for cash consideration of approximately $58 million. Truesdale owns a noncarbonated beverage production facility. In 2003, acquisitions of intangible assets totaled approximately $142 million. Of this amount, approximately $88 million related to the Company's acquisition of certain intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trademarks and brands in various parts of

49



the world. None of these trademarks and brands was considered individually significant. Additionally, the Company acquired certain brands and related contractual rights from Panamco valued at $54 million in the Latin America operating segment with an estimated useful life of 10 years.

        In 2002, our Company expended cash of approximately $328 million for acquisitions of our interests in CBC, a publicly traded Philippine beverage company, and CCDA. Refer to Note 18.

        In July 2003, we made a convertible loan of approximately $133 million to The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Egypt ("TCCBCE"). The loan is convertible into preferred shares of TCCBCE upon receipt of governmental approvals. Additionally, upon certain defaults under either the loan agreement or the terms of the preferred shares, we have the ability to convert the loan or the preferred shares into common shares. At December 31, 2003, our Company owned approximately 42 percent of the common shares of TCCBCE. The Company consolidated TCCBCE under Interpretation 46 effective March 31, 2004. Refer to Note 1.

        In November 2003, Coca-Cola HBC approved a share capital reduction totaling approximately 473 million euros and the return of 2 euros per share to all shareowners. In December 2003, our Company received our share capital return payment from Coca-Cola HBC equivalent to $136 million. Refer to Note 2.

        Our cash flows used in financing activities are as follows (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:              
  Issuances of debt   $    3,030   $    1,026   $    1,622  
  Payments of debt   (1,316 ) (1,119 ) (2,378 )
  Issuances of stock   193   98   107  
  Purchases of stock for treasury   (1,739 ) (1,440 ) (691 )
  Dividends   (2,429 ) (2,166 ) (1,987 )

 
Net cash used in financing activities   $   (2,261 ) $   (3,601 ) $   (3,327 )

 

        Issuances and payments of debt included both short-term and long-term financing activities. On December 31, 2004, we had $1,614 million in lines of credit and other short-term credit facilities available, of which approximately $296 million was outstanding. This entire $296 million related to our international operations.

        The issuances of debt in 2004 primarily included approximately $2,109 million of net issuances of commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or less and approximately $818 million of issuances of commercial paper with maturities of more than 90 days. The payments of debt in 2004 primarily included approximately $927 million related to commercial paper with maturities of more than 90 days and $367 million of long-term debt. Our Company's total net increase in debt was primarily due to meeting our short-term cash needs in the United States, as a majority of our cash is currently being held in locations outside of the United States. Refer to the heading "Operations Review—Interest Income and Interest Expense."

        The issuances of debt in 2003 primarily included approximately $304 million of net issuances of commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or less and approximately $715 million of issuances of commercial paper with maturities of more than 90 days. The payments of debt in 2003 primarily included approximately $907 million related to commercial paper with maturities of more than 90 days and $150 million of long-term debt.

        The issuances of debt in 2002 primarily included approximately $832 million of issuances of commercial paper with maturities of more than 90 days and $750 million in issuances of long-term notes due June 1, 2005. The payments of debt in 2002 primarily included approximately $816 million related to commercial paper with maturities of more than 90 days, net payments of $1,280 million related to commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or less and the $150 million redemption of 65/8 percent U.S. dollar notes.

50



        During 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company repurchased common stock under the 1996 Plan. As strong cash flows are expected to continue in the future, the Company currently expects to increase its 2005 share repurchase levels to at least $2 billion. Refer to the heading "Financial Strategies and Risk Management."

        Dividends have increased every year for each of the last 43 years, and we believe that for the foreseeable future, our Board of Directors intends to increase our dividends.

        Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.    In accordance with the definition under SEC rules, the following qualify as off-balance sheet arrangements:

        The following discussion addresses each of the above items for our Company. On December 31, 2004, our Company was contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties in the amount of $257 million. Management concluded that the likelihood of any material amounts being paid by our Company is not probable. As of December 31, 2004, we were not directly liable for the debt of any unconsolidated entity, and we did not have any retained or contingent interest in assets as defined above. Additionally, our Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Notes 10 and 11.

        In December 2003, we granted a $250 million standby line-of-credit to Coca-Cola FEMSA with normal market terms. As of December 31, 2004, no amounts have been drawn against this line-of-credit. This standby letter of credit expires in December 2006.

        Our Company has equity ownership interests in bottlers that we account for under the equity method of accounting. For certain entities, primarily bottlers, our Company holds variable interests, such as providing financing and guarantees, in addition to our equity investments. The results of those entities in which our Company holds a variable interest, and where we determined that our Company is the primary beneficiary, have been consolidated as of March 31, 2004. Our Company's investment, plus any loans and guarantees, related to these variable interest entities totaled approximately $313 million at December 31, 2004, representing our maximum exposure to loss.

51



        Aggregate Contractual Obligations.    As of December 31, 2004, the Company's contractual obligations, including payments due by period, are as follows (in millions):

    Payments Due by Period
    Total   2005   2006-2007   2008-2009   2010 and
Thereafter

Short-term loans and notes payable1:                    
  Commercial paper borrowings   $    4,235   $  4,235   $       —   $       —   $       —
  Lines of credit and other short-term borrowings   296   296      
Current maturities of long-term debt2   1,490   1,490      
Long-term debt2   1,157     64   413   680
Estimated interest payments3   1,114   99   129   126   760
Marketing and other commitments4   2,779   899   759   452   669
Purchase commitments5   5,847   1,567   1,063   695   2,522
Other long-term liabilities:                    
  Liability to CCEAG shareowners6   1,124   36   1,088    
  Miscellaneous   32     32    

    Total contractual obligations   $  18,074   $  8,622   $  3,135   $  1,686   $  4,631

1 Refer to Note 6 for information regarding short-term loans and notes payable. Upon payment of commercial paper borrowings, we typically expect to issue new commercial paper borrowings. Lines of credit and other short-term borrowings are expected to fluctuate depending upon current liquidity needs, especially at international subsidiaries.

2

Refer to Note 7 for information regarding long-term debt. We expect to settle such long-term debt by several options including cash flows from operations, issuance of commercial paper or issuance of other long-term debt.

3

We calculated estimated interest payments for short-term loans and notes payable and long-term debt as follows: for fixed-rate debt and term debt, we calculated interest based on the applicable rates and payment dates; for variable-rate debt and/or nonterm debt, we estimated interest rates and payment dates based on our determination of the most likely scenarios for each relevant debt instrument; we typically expect to settle such interest payments with cash flows from operations and short-term borrowings.

4

We expect to fund these marketing and other commitments with cash flows from operations. We have excluded expected payments for volume-related programs, such as payments to unconsolidated bottlers or customers that are generally determined and committed to on an annual basis.

5

The purchase commitments include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including open purchase orders. We expect to fund these commitments with cash flows from operations.

6

The amount represents the estimated cash to be paid to CCEAG shareowners. Refer to Note 18 for a discussion of the present value of our liability to CCEAG shareowners. We will consider several options to settle this liability including cash flows from operations, issuance of commercial paper or issuance of other long-term debt.

        In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," the total accrued benefit liability for pension and other postretirement benefit plans recognized as of December 31, 2004 was $1,205 million. Refer to Note 14. This accrued liability is included in the consolidated balance sheet line item other liabilities. This amount is impacted by, among other items, funding levels, changes in plan demographics and assumptions, and investment return on plan assets. Because the accrued liability does not represent expected liquidity needs, we did not include this amount in the contractual obligations table.

52



        We fund our U.S. qualified pension plans in accordance with Employee Retirement Income Security Act regulations for the minimum annual required contribution and in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations for the maximum annual allowable tax deduction. The minimum required contribution for our primary qualified U.S. pension plan for the 2005 plan year is $0 and is anticipated to remain $0 for at least the next several years due to large contributions made to the plan over the past four years. Therefore, we did not include any amounts as a contractual obligation in the above table. We do however, anticipate contributing up to the maximum deductible amount to the primary U.S. qualified pension plan in 2005, which is estimated to be approximately $59 million. Furthermore, we expect to contribute up to $9 million to the U.S. postretirement health care benefit plan during 2005. We generally expect to fund all future contributions with cash flows from operations.

        Our international pension plans are funded in accordance with local laws and income tax regulations. We do not expect contributions to these plans to be material in 2005 or thereafter. Therefore, no amounts have been included in the table above.

        As of December 31, 2004, the projected benefit obligation of the U.S. qualified pension plans was $1,458 million, and the fair value of plan assets was $1,729 million. As of December 31, 2004, the projected benefit obligation of all pension plans other than the U.S. qualified pension plans was $1,342 million, and the fair value of all other pension plan assets was $668 million. The majority of this underfunding is attributable to an international pension plan for certain non-U.S. employees that is unfunded due to tax law restrictions, as well as our unfunded U.S. nonqualified pension plans. These U.S. nonqualified pension plans provide, for certain members of management, benefits that are not permitted to be funded through a qualified plan because of limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Disclosure of amounts in the above table regarding expected benefit payments for our unfunded pension plans and our other postretirement benefit plans cannot be properly reflected for 2010 and thereafter due to the ongoing nature of the obligations of these plans. However, in order to inform the reader about expected benefit payments for these plans over the next several years, we anticipate annual benefit payments to be in the range of approximately $50 million to $60 million in 2005 and remain at or near this annual level for the next several years.

        Deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2004 were $450 million. Refer to Note 15. This amount is not included in the total contractual obligations table because we believe this presentation would not be meaningful. Deferred income tax liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their book basis, which will result in taxable amounts in future years when the book basis is settled. The results of these calculations do not have any connection with the amount of cash taxes to be paid in any future periods. As a result, scheduling deferred income tax liabilities as payments due by period could be misleading because this scheduling would not relate to liquidity needs.

        Minority interests of $213 million as of December 31, 2004 for consolidated entities in which we do not have a 100 percent ownership interest were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet line item other liabilities. Such minority interests are not liabilities requiring the use of cash or other resources; therefore, this amount is excluded from the contractual obligations table.

        Our international operations are subject to certain opportunities and risks, including currency fluctuations and governmental actions. We closely monitor our operations in each country and seek to adopt appropriate strategies that are responsive to changing economic and political environments and to fluctuations in foreign currencies.

        We use 47 functional currencies. Due to our global operations, weaknesses in some of these currencies are often offset by strengths in others. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, the weighted-average exchange rates for foreign

53



currencies in which the Company conducts operations (all operating currencies), and for certain individual currencies, strengthened (weakened) against the U.S. dollar as follows:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
All operating currencies   6  % 8  % (3 )%

 
Australian dollar   13  % 20  % 5  %
British pound   12  % 8  % 5  %
Euro   9  % 21  % 5  %
Japanese yen   7  % 8  % (3 )%
Mexican peso   (5 )% (11 )% (3 )%
South African rand   18  % 41  % (20 )%

 

        These percentages do not include the effects of our hedging activities and, therefore, do not reflect the actual impact of fluctuations in exchange rates on our operating results. Our foreign currency management program is designed to mitigate, over time, a portion of the impact of exchange rates on net income and earnings per share. The total currency impact on operating income, including the effect of our hedging activities, was an increase of approximately 8 percent and 2 percent in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The impact of a stronger U.S. dollar decreased our operating income by approximately 3 percent in 2002. In 2005, the Company expects to receive a minimal benefit from currency exchange fluctuations.

        Exchange gains (losses)—net amounted to $(39) million in 2004, $(76) million in 2003 and $(118) million in 2002 and were recorded in other income (loss)—net in our consolidated statements of income. Exchange gains (losses)—net include the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities from certain currencies into functional currencies and the costs of hedging certain exposures of our consolidated balance sheets.

        Refer to Note 10.

        Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, compared to our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, was impacted by the following:

54


        Inflation affects the way we operate in many markets around the world. In general, we believe that over time we are able to increase prices to counteract the majority of the inflationary effects of increasing costs and to generate sufficient cash flows to maintain our productive capability.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        The MD&A includes certain performance measures and ratios that may be considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that these financial measures provide investors and analysts useful additional insight into our Company's financial position and performance. Management also uses these financial measures to evaluate the Company's performance and to make certain decisions relating to our Company's optimal capital structure and allocation of resources.

        Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered substitutes for performance measures presented in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In addition, we caution that the methodologies for the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures may vary from company to company and, therefore, non-GAAP financial measures we present may not be comparable to similarly-named non-GAAP financial measures reported by other companies.

        The tables below reconcile the following financial measures included, or used in the calculation of ratios included, in the MD&A that may be considered non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP: adjusted net income, total debt, total capital, net debt, net capital, average total capital, average shareowners' equity, adjusted net income before taxes and total interest expense.

Return on Average Total Capital              
As of or for the year ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions except percentages)              
Net income before cumulative effect of accounting change   $    4,847   $    4,347   $    3,976  
Add: Interest expense   196   178   199  
Less: Effective tax rate benefit of interest expense   (43 ) (37 ) (55 )

 
  Adjusted net income   $    5,000   $    4,488   $    4,120  

 
Loans and notes payable at end of prior period   $    2,583   $    2,475   $    3,743  
Current maturities of long-term debt at end of prior period   323   180   156  
Long-term debt at end of prior period   2,517   2,701   1,219  

 
  Total debt at end of prior period   $    5,423   $    5,356   $    5,118  
  Shareowners' equity at end of prior period   14,090   11,800   11,366  

 
    Total capital at end of prior period   $  19,513   $  17,156   $  16,484  

 

Loans and notes payable at end of period

 

$    4,531

 

$    2,583

 

$    2,475

 
Current maturities of long-term debt at end of period   1,490   323   180  
Long-term debt at end of period   1,157   2,517   2,701  

 
  Total debt at end of period   $    7,178   $    5,423   $    5,356  
  Shareowners' equity at end of period   15,935   14,090   11,800  

 
    Total capital at end of period   $  23,113   $  19,513   $  17,156  

 
Average total capital1   $  21,313   $  18,335   $  16,820  
Return on average total capital2   23.5 % 24.5 % 24.5 %

 
1 The arithmetic mean of total capital at the end of the prior and current periods.
2 Adjusted net income divided by average total capital.

55



Return on Average Shareowners' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
As of or for the year ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions except percentages)              
Net income before cumulative effect of accounting change   $    4,847   $    4,347   $    3,976  

 

Shareowners' equity at end of prior period

 

$14,090

 

$11,800

 

$11,366

 
Shareowners' equity at end of period   15,935   14,090   11,800  

 

Average shareowners' equity1

 

$  15,013

 

$  12,945

 

$  11,583

 
Return on average shareowners' equity2   32.3 % 33.6 % 34.3 %

 
1 The arithmetic mean of shareowners' equity at the end of the prior and current periods.
2 Net income before cumulative effect of accounting change divided by average shareowners' equity.

Total Debt-to-Total Capital and Net Debt-to-Net Capital Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions except percentages)              
Total debt at end of period1   $    7,178   $    5,423   $    5,356  
Less:  Cash and cash equivalents   (6,707 ) (3,362 ) (2,260 )
           Marketable securities   (61 ) (120 ) (85 )

 
  Net debt   $       410   $    1,941   $    3,011  

Total capital at end of period1

 

$  23,113

 

$  19,513

 

$  17,156

 
Less:  Cash and cash equivalents   (6,707 ) (3,362 ) (2,260 )
           Marketable securities   (61 ) (120 ) (85 )

 
  Net capital   $  16,345   $  16,031   $  14,811  
Total debt-to-total capital ratio   31.1 % 27.8 % 31.2 %
Net debt-to-net capital ratio   2.5 % 12.1 % 20.3 %

 
1 Refer to "Return on Average Total Capital" table above for reconciliation.

Interest Coverage Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Year ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions except ratios)              
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change   $  6,222   $  5,495   $  5,499  
Add:  Interest expense   196   178   199  
          Capitalized interest   1   1   1  

 
  Adjusted net income before taxes   $  6,419   $  5,674   $  5,699  

 

Interest expense

 

$     196

 

$     178

 

$     199

 
Add: Capitalized interest   1   1   1  

 
  Total interest expense   $     197   $     179   $     200  

 
Interest coverage ratio1   33 x 32 x 28 x

 
1 Adjusted net income before taxes divided by total interest expense.

Forward-Looking Statements

        Certain written and oral statements made by our Company and subsidiaries or with the approval of an authorized executive officer of our Company may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements made in this report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are

56



not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future—including statements relating to volume growth, share of sales and earnings per share growth and statements expressing general optimism about future operating results—are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. As and when made, management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements since such statements speak only as of the date when made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

        The following are some of the factors that could cause our Company's actual results to differ materially from the expected results described in or underlying our Company's forward-looking statements:

57


        The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.

Additional Information

        For additional information about our operations, cash flows, liquidity and capital resources, refer to Item 8. For additional information concerning our operating segments refer to Note 19.

58



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to (i) the information in Item 7 of this report under the heading "Financial Strategies and Risk Management" and (ii) Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this report.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
Consolidated Statements of Income   61

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

62

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

64

Consolidated Statements of Shareowners' Equity

 

65

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

66

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

115

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

116

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

117

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

 

118

Glossary

 

119

60


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions except per share data)              

NET OPERATING REVENUES

 

$  21,962

 

$  21,044

 

$  19,564

 
Cost of goods sold   7,638   7,762   7,105  

 
GROSS PROFIT   14,324   13,282   12,459  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   8,146   7,488   7,001  
Other operating charges   480   573    

 
OPERATING INCOME   5,698   5,221   5,458  
Interest income   157   176   209  
Interest expense   196   178   199  
Equity income — net   621   406   384  
Other income (loss) — net   (82 ) (138 ) (353 )
Gains on issuances of stock by equity investees   24   8    

 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   6,222   5,495   5,499  
Income taxes   1,375   1,148   1,523  

 
NET INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   4,847   4,347   3,976  
Cumulative effect of accounting change for SFAS No. 142, net of income taxes:              
  Company operations       (367 )
  Equity investees       (559 )

 
NET INCOME   $    4,847   $    4,347   $    3,050  

 
BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE:              
  Before accounting change   $      2.00   $      1.77   $      1.60  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change       (0.37 )

 
    $      2.00   $      1.77   $      1.23  

 
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE:              
  Before accounting change   $      2.00   $      1.77   $      1.60  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change       (0.37 )

 
    $      2.00   $      1.77   $      1.23  

 
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING   2,426   2,459   2,478  
Effect of dilutive securities   3   3   5  

 
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING ASSUMING DILUTION   2,429   2,462   2,483  

 

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

61


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

December 31,   2004   2003

(In millions)        

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

CURRENT

 

 

 

 
Cash and cash equivalents   $    6,707   $    3,362
Marketable securities   61   120

    6,768   3,482
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $69 in 2004 and $61 in 2003   2,171   2,091
Inventories   1,420   1,252
Prepaid expenses and other assets   1,735   1,571

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   12,094   8,396


INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 
Equity method investments:        
  Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.   1,569   1,260
  Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A.   1,067   941
  Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V.   792   674
  Coca-Cola Amatil Limited   736   652
  Other, principally bottling companies   1,733   1,697
Cost method investments, principally bottling companies   355   314
Other assets   3,054   3,322

    9,306   8,860


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 
Land   479   419
Buildings and improvements   2,853   2,615
Machinery and equipment   6,337   6,159
Containers   480   429

    10,149   9,622
Less allowances for depreciation   4,058   3,525

    6,091   6,097


TRADEMARKS WITH INDEFINITE LIVES

 

2,037

 

1,979

GOODWILL

 

1,097

 

1,029

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

702

 

981

TOTAL ASSETS   $  31,327   $  27,342

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

62


The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

December 31,   2004   2003  

 
(In millions except share data)          

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT

 

 

 

 

 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $    4,283   $    4,058  
Loans and notes payable   4,531   2,583  
Current maturities of long-term debt   1,490   323  
Accrued income taxes   667   922  

 
           
           
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   10,971   7,886  

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

1,157

 

2,517

 

 

OTHER LIABILITIES

 

2,814

 

2,512

 

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

450

 

337

 

 

SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 
Common stock, $0.25 par value          
  Authorized: 5,600,000,000 shares;
issued: 3,500,489,544 shares in 2004 and 3,494,799,258 shares in 2003
  875   874  
Capital surplus   4,928   4,395  
Reinvested earnings   29,105   26,687  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (1,348 ) (1,995 )

 
    33,560   29,961  

Less treasury stock, at cost (1,091,150,977 shares in 2004; 1,053,267,474 shares in 2003)

 

(17,625

)

(15,871

)

 
    15,935   14,090  

 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY   $  31,327   $  27,342  

 

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

63


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions)              

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$  4,847

 

$  4,347

 

$  3,050

 
Depreciation and amortization   893   850   806  
Stock-based compensation expense   345   422   365  
Deferred income taxes   162   (188 ) 40  
Equity income (loss), net of dividends   (476 ) (294 ) (256 )
Foreign currency adjustments   (59 ) (79 ) (76 )
Gains on issuances of stock by equity investees   (24 ) (8 )  
(Gains) losses on sales of assets, including bottling interests   (20 ) (5 ) 3  
Cumulative effect of accounting changes       926  
Other operating charges   480   330    
Other items   437   249   291  
Net change in operating assets and liabilities   (617 ) (168 ) (407 )

 
  Net cash provided by operating activities   5,968   5,456   4,742  

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions and investments, principally trademarks and bottling companies

 

(267

)

(359

)

(544

)
Purchases of investments and other assets   (46 ) (177 ) (141 )
Proceeds from disposals of investments and other assets   161   147   243  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (755 ) (812 ) (851 )
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment   341   87   69  
Other investing activities   63   178   159  

 
  Net cash used in investing activities   (503 ) (936 ) (1,065 )

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances of debt

 

3,030

 

1,026

 

1,622

 
Payments of debt   (1,316 ) (1,119 ) (2,378 )
Issuances of stock   193   98   107  
Purchases of stock for treasury   (1,739 ) (1,440 ) (691 )
Dividends   (2,429 ) (2,166 ) (1,987 )

 
  Net cash used in financing activities   (2,261 ) (3,601 ) (3,327 )

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

141

 

183

 

44

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase during the year

 

3,345

 

1,102

 

394

 
Balance at beginning of year   3,362   2,260   1,866  

 
  Balance at end of year   $  6,707   $  3,362   $  2,260  

 

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

64


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
(In millions except per share data)              

NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Balance at beginning of year   2,442   2,471   2,486  
  Stock issued to employees exercising stock options   5   4   3  
  Purchases of stock for treasury1   (38 ) (33 ) (14 )
  Adoption of SFAS No. 123       (4 )

 
Balance at end of year   2,409   2,442   2,471  

 
COMMON STOCK              
Balance at beginning of year   $       874   $       873   $       873  
  Stock issued to employees exercising stock options   1   1   1  
  Adoption of SFAS No. 123       (1 )

 
Balance at end of year   875   874   873  

 
CAPITAL SURPLUS              
Balance at beginning of year   4,395   3,857   3,520  
  Stock issued to employees exercising stock options   175   105   111  
  Tax benefit from employees' stock option and restricted stock plans   13   11   11  
  Stock-based compensation   345   422   365  
  Adoption of SFAS No. 123       (150 )

 
Balance at end of year   4,928   4,395   3,857  

 
REINVESTED EARNINGS              
Balance at beginning of year   26,687   24,506   23,443  
  Net income   4,847   4,347   3,050  
  Dividends (per share—$1.00, $0.88 and $0.80 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively)   (2,429 ) (2,166 ) (1,987 )

 
Balance at end of year   29,105   26,687   24,506  

 
OUTSTANDING RESTRICTED STOCK              
Balance at beginning of year       (150 )
  Adoption of SFAS No. 123       150  

 
Balance at end of year        

 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)              
Balance at beginning of year   (1,995 ) (3,047 ) (2,638 )
  Net foreign currency translation adjustment   665   921   (95 )
  Net loss on derivatives   (3 ) (33 ) (186 )
  Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   39   40   67  
  Net change in minimum pension liability   (54 ) 124   (195 )

 
    Net other comprehensive income adjustments   647   1,052   (409 )

 
Balance at end of year   (1,348 ) (1,995 ) (3,047 )

 
TREASURY STOCK              
Balance at beginning of year   (15,871 ) (14,389 ) (13,682 )
  Purchases of treasury stock   (1,754 ) (1,482 ) (707 )

 
Balance at end of year   (17,625 ) (15,871 ) (14,389 )

 
TOTAL SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY   $  15,935   $  14,090   $  11,800  

 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME              
  Net income   $    4,847   $    4,347   $    3,050  
  Net other comprehensive income adjustments   647   1,052   (409 )

 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   $    5,494   $    5,399   $    2,641  

 

1

Common stock purchased from employees exercising stock options numbered 0.4 million, 0.4 million and 0.2 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

65



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The Coca-Cola Company is predominantly a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups. In these notes, the terms "Company," "we," "us" or "our" mean The Coca-Cola Company and all subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements. Operating in more than 200 countries worldwide, we primarily sell our concentrates and syrups, as well as some finished beverages, to bottling and canning operations, distributors, fountain wholesalers and fountain retailers. We also market and distribute juices and juice drinks, sports drinks, water products, teas, coffees and other beverage products. Additionally, we have ownership interests in numerous bottling and canning operations. Significant markets for our products exist in all the world's geographic regions.

        Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our Company consolidates all entities that we control by ownership of a majority voting interest as well as variable interest entities for which our Company is the primary beneficiary. Refer to the heading "Variable Interest Entities" for a discussion of variable interest entities.

        We use the equity method to account for our investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Consolidated net income includes our Company's share of the net earnings of these companies. The difference between consolidation and the equity method impacts certain financial ratios because of the presentation of the detailed line items reported in the financial statements.

        We use the cost method to account for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.

        We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions, including the intercompany transactions with variable interest entities and the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.

        Certain amounts in the prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.

        In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("Interpretation 46" or "FIN 46"). Application of this interpretation was required in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 for interests in variable interest entities that were considered to be special-purpose entities. Our Company determined that we did not have any arrangements or relationships with special- purpose entities. Application of Interpretation 46 for all other types of variable interest entities was required for our Company effective March 31, 2004.

        Interpretation 46 addresses the consolidation of business enterprises to which the usual condition (ownership of a majority voting interest) of consolidation does not apply. This interpretation focuses on controlling financial interests that may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. It concludes that in the absence of clear control through voting interests, a company's exposure (variable interest)

66



to the economic risks and potential rewards from the variable interest entity's assets and activities are the best evidence of control. If an enterprise holds a majority of the variable interests of an entity, it would be considered the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary is generally required to include assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the variable interest as if it were consolidated based on majority voting interest.

        In our financial statements as of December 31, 2003 and prior to December 31, 2003, we consolidated all entities that we controlled by ownership of a majority of voting interests. As a result of Interpretation 46, effective as of March 31, 2004, our consolidated balance sheet includes the assets and liabilities of:

        Our Company holds interests in certain entities, primarily bottlers, previously accounted for under the equity method of accounting that are considered variable interest entities. These variable interests relate to profit guarantees or subordinated financial support for these entities. Upon adoption of Interpretation 46 as of March 31, 2004, we consolidated assets of approximately $383 million and liabilities of approximately $383 million that were previously not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. We did not record a cumulative effect of an accounting change, and prior periods were not restated. The results of operations of these variable interest entities were included in our consolidated results beginning April 1, 2004 and did not have a material impact for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our Company's investment, plus any loans and guarantees, related to these variable interest entities totaled approximately $313 million at December 31, 2004, representing our maximum exposure to loss. Any creditors of the variable interest entities do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company as a result of including these variable interest entities in our consolidated financial statements.

        The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from estimates and assumptions.

        The Company's operations could be adversely affected by restrictions on imports and exports and sources of supply; prolonged labor strikes (including any at key manufacturing operations); adverse weather conditions; advertising effectiveness; changes in labeling requirements; duties or tariffs; changes in governmental regulations; the introduction of additional measures to control inflation; changes in the rate or method of taxation; the imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittances abroad; the expropriation of private enterprise; or product issues such as a product recall. In addition, policy concerns particular to the United States with respect to a country in which the Company has operations could adversely affect our operations. The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is not exclusive.

        Our Company monitors our operations with a view to minimizing the impact to our overall business that could arise as a result of the risks inherent in our business.

67



        Our Company recognizes revenue when title to our products is transferred to our bottling partners or our customers.

        Our Company expenses production costs of print, radio, television and other advertisements as of the first date the advertisements take place. Advertising costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $2.2 billion in 2004, approximately $1.8 billion in 2003 and approximately $1.7 billion in 2002. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, advertising and production costs of approximately $194 million and $190 million, respectively, were recorded in prepaid expenses and other assets and in noncurrent other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

        Our Company currently sponsors stock option plans and restricted stock award plans. Refer to Note 13. Effective January 1, 2002, our Company adopted the preferable fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Our Company selected the modified prospective method of adoption described in SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." The fair values of the stock awards are determined using a single estimated expected life. The compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The total stock-based compensation expense, net of related tax effects, was $254 million in 2004, $308 million in 2003 and $267 million in 2002. These amounts represent the same as that which would have been recognized had the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 been applied from its original effective date.

        When one of our equity investees issues additional shares to third parties, our percentage ownership interest in the investee decreases. In the event the issuance price per share is more or less than our average carrying amount per share, we recognize a noncash gain or loss on the issuance. This noncash gain or loss, net of any deferred taxes, is generally recognized in our net income in the period the change of ownership interest occurs.

        If gains have been previously recognized on issuances of an equity investee's stock and shares of the equity investee are subsequently repurchased by the equity investee, gain recognition does not occur on issuances subsequent to the date of a repurchase until shares have been issued in an amount equivalent to the number of repurchased shares. This type of transaction is reflected as an equity transaction, and the net effect is reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 3.

        We compute basic net income per share by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share includes the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards, if any.

        We classify marketable securities that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents.

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        We record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable balances and charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables and our relationships with and economic status of our bottling partners and customers.

        Inventories consist primarily of raw materials, supplies, concentrates and syrups and are valued at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost on the basis of average cost or first-in, first-out methods.

        Management periodically assesses the recoverability of our Company's equity method and cost method investments. For publicly traded investments, readily available quoted market prices are an indication of the fair value of our Company's investments. For nonpublicly traded investments, if an identified event or change in circumstances requires an impairment evaluation, management assesses fair value based on valuation methodologies as appropriate, including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds and external appraisals, as appropriate. If an investment is considered to be impaired and the decline in value is other than temporary, we record an appropriate write-down.

        Our Company advances payments to certain customers for marketing to fund future activities intended to generate profitable volume, and we expense such payments over the applicable period. Advance payments are also made to certain customers for distribution rights. Additionally, our Company invests in infrastructure programs with our bottlers that are directed at strengthening our bottling system and increasing unit case volume. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of these assets by preparing estimates of sales volume, the resulting gross profit, cash flows and considering other factors. Costs of these programs are recorded in prepaid expenses and other assets and noncurrent other assets and are subsequently amortized over the periods to be directly benefited. Amortization expense for infrastructure programs was approximately $136 million, $156 million and $176 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Refer to Note 2.

        We state property, plant and equipment at cost and depreciate such assets principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Management assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment if certain events or changes occur, such as a significant decrease in market value of the assets or a significant change in the business conditions in a particular market.

        Effective January 1, 2002, our Company adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." The adoption of SFAS No. 142 required an initial impairment assessment involving a comparison of the fair value of goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets to current carrying value. Upon adoption, we recorded

69


a loss for the cumulative effect of accounting change for SFAS No. 142, net of income taxes, of $367 million for Company operations and $559 million for the Company's proportionate share of impairment losses from its equity method investees. We did not restate prior periods for the adoption of SFAS No. 142.

        Trademarks and other intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized. We test such trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. Trademarks and other intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives. We review such trademarks and other intangible assets with definite lives for impairment to ensure they are appropriately valued if conditions exist that may indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations.

        All goodwill is assigned to reporting units, which are one level below our operating segments. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit that benefits from the synergies arising from each business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. We perform tests for impairment of goodwill annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired. Such tests include comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. Impairment assessments are performed using a variety of methodologies, including cash flow analyses, estimates of sales proceeds and independent appraisals. Where applicable, an appropriate discount rate is used, based on the Company's cost of capital rate or location-specific economic factors. Refer to Note 4.

        Our Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 137, SFAS No. 138, and SFAS No. 149. Our Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 10.

        Using appropriate actuarial methods and assumptions, our Company accounts for defined benefit pension plans in accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions." We account for our nonpension postretirement benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." In 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," ("SFAS 132(R)") for all U.S. plans. As permitted by this standard, in 2004 we adopted the disclosure provisions for all foreign plans for the year ended December 31, 2004. SFAS No. 132(R) requires additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. This statement did not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS No. 87, SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," or SFAS No. 106. Refer to Note 14 for a description of how we determine our principal assumptions for pension and postretirement benefit accounting.

        Our Company is involved in various legal proceedings and tax matters. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings and tax matters involve inherent uncertainties including, but not limited to, court rulings,

70


negotiations between affected parties and governmental actions. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and accrues a liability and/or discloses the relevant circumstances, as appropriate. Refer to Note 11.

        In accordance with SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations," we account for all business combinations by the purchase method. Furthermore, we recognize intangible assets apart from goodwill if they arise from contractual or legal rights or if they are separable from goodwill.

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal plan be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under SFAS No. 146, an exit or disposal plan exists when the following criteria are met:

        SFAS No. 146 establishes that fair value is the objective for initial measurement of the liability. In cases where employees are required to render service beyond a minimum retention period until they are terminated in order to receive termination benefits, a liability for termination benefits is recognized ratably over the future service period. Under EITF Issue No. 94-3, a liability for the entire amount of the exit cost was recognized at the date that the entity met the four criteria described above. Refer to Note 17.

        Effective January 1, 2003, our Company adopted the recognition and measurement provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" ("Interpretation 45"). This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in interim and annual financial statements about the obligations under certain guarantees. Interpretation 45 also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of this interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. We do not currently provide significant guarantees on a routine basis. As a result, this interpretation has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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        During 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" ("FSP 106-2"). FSP 106-2 relates to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act") signed into law in December 2003. The Act introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare known as "Medicare Part D." The Act also established a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. During the second quarter of 2004, our Company adopted the provisions of FSP 106-2 retroactive to January 1, 2004. The adoption of FSP 106-2 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 14.

        In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Jobs Creation Act") was signed into law. The Jobs Creation Act includes a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate foreign earnings at an effective 5.25 percent tax rate. Such repatriations must occur in either an enterprise's last tax year that began before the enactment date, or the first tax year that begins during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment.

        FASB Staff Position 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" ("FSP 109-2"), indicates that the lack of clarification of certain provisions within the Jobs Creation Act and the timing of the enactment necessitate a practical exception to the SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," ("SFAS No. 109") requirement to reflect in the period of enactment the effect of a new tax law. Accordingly, an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Creation Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. FSP 109-2 requires that the provisions of SFAS No. 109 be applied as an enterprise decides on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of its unremitted foreign earnings.

        In 2004, our Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $50 million as a result of the realization of certain tax credits related to certain provisions of the Jobs Creation Act not related to repatriation provisions. Our Company is currently evaluating the details of the Jobs Creation Act and any impact it may have on our income tax expense in 2005. Refer to Note 15.

        In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs, an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4." SFAS No. 151 requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials (spoilage) be recorded as current period charges and that the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for our Company on January 1, 2006. The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123(R)"). SFAS No. 123(R) supercedes APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and amends SFAS No. 95, "Statement of Cash Flows." Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 123(R) must be adopted by our Company by the third quarter of 2005. Currently, our Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton formula to estimate the value of stock options granted to employees and is evaluating option valuation models, including the Black-Scholes-Merton formula, to determine which model the Company will utilize upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). Our Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified-prospective method. We do not anticipate that adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) will have a material impact on our Company's stock-based compensation expense. However, our equity investees are also required to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) beginning no later than the third quarter of

72



2005. Our proportionate share of the stock-based compensation expense resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) by our equity investees will be recognized as a reduction to equity income.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29." SFAS No. 153 is based on the principle that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions," provided an exception to its basic measurement principle (fair value) for exchanges of similar productive assets. Under APB Opinion No. 29, an exchange of a productive asset for a similar productive asset was based on the recorded amount of the asset relinquished. SFAS No. 153 eliminates this exception and replaces it with an exception of exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 is effective for our Company as of July 1, 2005. The Company will apply the requirements of SFAS No. 153 prospectively.

NOTE 2: BOTTLING INVESTMENTS

        Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. ("CCE") is a marketer, producer and distributor of bottle and can nonalcoholic beverages, operating in eight countries. On December 31, 2004, our Company owned approximately 36 percent of the outstanding common stock of CCE. We account for our investment by the equity method of accounting and, therefore, our operating results include our proportionate share of income (loss) resulting from our investment in CCE. As of December 31, 2004, our proportionate share of the net assets of CCE exceeded our investment by approximately $366 million. This difference is not amortized.

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        A summary of financial information for CCE is as follows (in millions):

December 31,       2004   2003  

 
Current assets       $    3,264   $    3,000  
Noncurrent assets       23,090   22,700  

 
  Total assets       $  26,354   $  25,700  

 
Current liabilities       $    3,431   $    3,941  
Noncurrent liabilities       17,545   17,394  

 
  Total liabilities       $  20,976   $  21,335  

 
Shareowners' equity       $    5,378   $    4,365  

 
Company equity investment       $    1,569   $    1,260  

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 
Net operating revenues   $  18,158   $  17,330   $  16,058 1
Cost of goods sold   10,771   10,165   9,458 1

 
Gross profit   $    7,387   $    7,165   $    6,600 1

 
Operating income   $    1,436   $    1,577   $    1,364  

 
Net income   $       596   $       676   $       494  

 
Net income available to common shareowners   $       596   $       674   $       491  

 
1 These amounts reflect reclassifications related to the January 1, 2003 adoption of EITF Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor."

        A summary of our significant transactions with CCE is as follows (in millions):

    2004   2003   2002

Concentrate, syrup and finished products sales to CCE   $  5,203   $  5,084   $  4,767
Syrup and finished product purchases from CCE   428   403   461
CCE purchases of sweeteners through our Company   309   311   325
Payments made by us directly to CCE   646   880   837
Payments made to third parties on behalf of CCE   104   115   204
Local media and marketing program reimbursements from CCE   246   221   264

        Syrup and finished product purchases from CCE represent purchases of fountain syrup in certain territories that have been resold by our Company to major customers and purchases of bottle and can products. Payments made by us directly to CCE represent support of certain marketing activities and our participation with CCE in cooperative advertising and other marketing activities to promote the sale of Company trademark products within CCE territories. These programs are agreed to on an annual basis. Payments made to third parties on behalf of CCE represent support of certain marketing activities and programs to promote the sale of Company trademark products within CCE's territories in conjunction with certain of CCE's customers. Pursuant to cooperative advertising and trade agreements with CCE, we received funds from CCE for local media and marketing program expense reimbursements.

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        In the second quarter of 2004, our Company and CCE agreed to terminate the Sales Growth Initiative ("SGI") agreement and certain other marketing funding programs that were previously in place. Due to termination of these agreements, a significant portion of the cash payments to be made by us directly to CCE was eliminated prospectively. At the termination of these agreements, we agreed that the concentrate price that CCE pays us for sales made in the United States and Canada would be reduced. Total cash support paid by our Company under the SGI agreement prior to its termination was $58 million, $161 million and $150 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These amounts are included in the line item payments made by us directly to CCE in the table above.

        In the second quarter of 2004, we and CCE agreed to establish a Global Marketing Fund, under which we expect to pay CCE $62 million annually through December 31, 2014 as support for certain marketing activities. The term of the agreement will automatically be extended for successive 10-year periods thereafter unless either party gives written notice of termination of this agreement. The marketing activities to be funded under this agreement will be agreed upon each year as part of the annual joint planning process and will be incorporated into the annual marketing plans of both companies. We paid CCE a pro rata amount of $42 million for 2004. This amount is included in the line item payments made by us directly to CCE in the table above.

        Our Company previously entered into programs with CCE designed to help develop cold-drink infrastructure. Under these programs, our Company paid CCE for a portion of the cost of developing the infrastructure necessary to support accelerated placements of cold-drink equipment. These payments support a common objective of increased sales of Coca-Cola beverages from increased availability and consumption in the cold-drink channel. In connection with these programs, CCE agreed to:

        CCE must achieve minimum average unit case sales volume for a 12-year period following the placement of equipment. These minimum average unit case sales volume levels ensure adequate gross profit from sales of concentrate to fully recover the capitalized costs plus a return on the Company's investment. Should CCE fail to purchase the specified numbers of cold-drink equipment for any calendar year through 2010, the parties agreed to mutually develop a reasonable solution. Should no mutually agreeable solution be developed, or in the event that CCE otherwise breaches any material obligation under the contracts and such breach is not remedied within a stated period, then CCE would be required to repay a portion of the support funding as determined by our Company. In the third quarter of 2004, our Company and CCE agreed to amend the contract to defer the placement of some equipment from 2004 and 2005, as previously agreed under the original contract, to 2009 and 2010. In connection with this amendment, CCE agreed to pay the Company approximately $2 million in 2004, $3 million annually in 2005 through 2008, and $1 million in 2009. Our Company paid or committed to pay $3 million in 2002 to CCE in connection with these infrastructure programs. These payments are recorded in prepaid expenses and other assets and in noncurrent other assets and amortized as deductions in net operating revenues over the 10-year period following the placement of the equipment. Our carrying values for these

75


infrastructure programs with CCE were approximately $759 million and $829 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Effective in 2002 and thereafter, the Company had no further commitments under these programs.

        In March 2004, the Company and CCE launched the Dasani water brand in Great Britain. The product was voluntarily recalled. During 2004, our Company reimbursed CCE $32 million for product recall costs incurred by CCE.

        In March 2003, our Company acquired a 100 percent ownership interest in Truesdale Packaging Company LLC ("Truesdale") from CCE. Refer to Note 18.

        If valued at the December 31, 2004 quoted closing price of CCE shares, the fair value of our investment in CCE would have exceeded our carrying value by approximately $2.0 billion.

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Other Equity Investments

        Operating results include our proportionate share of income (loss) from our equity investments. A summary of financial information for our equity investments in the aggregate, other than CCE, is as follows (in millions):

December 31,   2004   2003

Current assets   $    6,723   $    6,416
Noncurrent assets   19,107   17,394

  Total assets   $  25,830   $  23,810

Current liabilities   $    5,507   $    5,467
Noncurrent liabilities   8,924   9,011

  Total liabilities   $  14,431   $  14,478

Shareowners' equity   $  11,399   $    9,332

Company equity investment   $    4,328   $    3,964


Year Ended December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

   
Net operating revenues   $  21,202   $  19,797   $  17,714   1
Cost of goods sold   12,132   11,661   10,112   1

   
Gross profit   $    9,070   $    8,136   $    7,602   1

   
Operating income   $    2,406   $    1,666   $    1,744    

   
Cumulative effect of accounting change2   $         —   $         —   $   (1,428 )  

   
Net income (loss)   $    1,389   $       580   $      (630 )  

   
Net income (loss) available to common shareowners   $    1,364   $       580   $      (630 )  

   
Equity investments include nonbottling investees.

1

These amounts reflect reclassifications related to the January 1, 2003 adoption of EITF Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor."

2

Accounting change is the adoption of SFAS No. 142.

        Net sales to equity investees other than CCE, the majority of which are located outside the United States, were $5.2 billion in 2004, $4.0 billion in 2003 and $3.2 billion in 2002. Total support payments, primarily marketing, made to equity investees other than CCE were approximately $442 million, $511 million and $488 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        During the second quarter of 2004, the Company's equity income benefited by approximately $37 million for its share of a favorable tax settlement related to Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V. ("Coca-Cola FEMSA").

        In December 2004, the Company sold certain of its production assets to an unrelated financial institution that were previously leased to the Japanese supply chain management company (refer to discussion below). The assets were sold for $271 million and the sale resulted in no gain or loss. The financial institution entered into a leasing arrangement with the Japanese supply chain management company. These assets were previously reported in our consolidated balance sheet caption property, plant and equipment and assigned to our Asia operating segment.

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        During 2004, our Company sold our bottling operations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Nepal to Coca-Cola Sabco (Pty) Ltd. ("Sabco") for a total consideration of $29 million. In addition, Sabco assumed certain debts of these bottling operations. The proceeds from the sale of these bottlers were approximately equal to the carrying value of the investment.

        Effective May 6, 2003, one of our Company's equity method investees, Coca-Cola FEMSA consummated a merger with another of the Company's equity method investees, Panamerican Beverages, Inc. ("Panamco"). Our Company received new Coca-Cola FEMSA shares in exchange for all Panamco shares previously held by the Company. Our Company's ownership interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA increased from 30 percent to approximately 40 percent as a result of this merger. This exchange of shares was treated as a nonmonetary exchange of similar productive assets, and no gain was recorded by our Company as a result of this merger.

        In connection with the merger, Coca-Cola FEMSA management initiated steps to streamline and integrate operations. This process included the closing of various distribution centers and manufacturing plants. Furthermore, due to the challenging economic conditions and an uncertain political situation in Venezuela, certain intangible assets were determined to be impaired and written down to their fair market value. During 2003, our Company recorded a noncash charge of $102 million primarily related to our proportionate share of these matters. This charge is included in the consolidated statement of income line item equity income—net.

        In December 2003, the Company issued a stand-by line of credit to Coca-Cola FEMSA. Refer to Note 11.

        The Company and the major shareowner of Coca-Cola FEMSA have an understanding that will permit this shareowner to purchase from our Company an amount of Coca-Cola FEMSA shares sufficient for this shareowner to regain a 51 percent ownership interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA. Pursuant to this understanding, which is in place until May 2006, this shareowner would pay the higher of the prevailing market price per share at the time of the sale or the sum of approximately $2.22 per share plus the Company's carrying costs. Both resulting amounts are in excess of our Company's carrying value.

        In July 2003, we made a convertible loan of approximately $133 million to The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Egypt ("TCCBCE"). The loan is convertible into preferred shares of TCCBCE upon receipt of governmental approvals. Additionally, upon certain defaults under either the loan agreement or the terms of the preferred shares, we have the ability to convert the loan or the preferred shares into common shares. At December 31, 2004, our Company owned approximately 42 percent of the common shares of TCCBCE. In 2004, we consolidated TCCBCE under the provisions of Interpretation 46.

        Effective October 1, 2003, the Company and all of its bottling partners in Japan created a nationally integrated supply chain management company to centralize procurement, production and logistics operations for the entire Coca-Cola system in Japan. As a result of the creation of this supply chain management company in Japan, a portion of our Company's business has essentially been converted from a finished product business model to a concentrate business model, thus reducing our net operating revenues and cost of goods sold. The formation of this entity included the sale of Company inventory and leasing of certain Company assets to this new entity on October 1, 2003, as well as our recording of a liability for certain contractual obligations to Japanese bottlers. Such amounts were not material to the Company's results of operations.

        In November 2003, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. ("Coca-Cola HBC") approved a share capital reduction totaling approximately 473 million euros and the return of 2 euros per share to all shareowners. In December 2003, our Company received our share capital return payment from Coca-Cola HBC equivalent to $136 million, and we recorded a reduction to our investment in Coca-Cola HBC.

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        Effective February 2002, our Company acquired control of Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetraenke AG ("CCEAG"), the largest bottler of our Company's beverage products in Germany. Prior to acquiring control, our Company accounted for CCEAG under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 18.

        In the first quarter of 2002, our Company sold our bottling operations in the Baltics to Coca-Cola HBC. The proceeds from the sale of the Baltic bottlers were approximately equal to the carrying value of the investment.

        If valued at the December 31, 2004, quoted closing prices of shares actively traded on stock markets, the value of our equity investments in publicly traded bottlers other than CCE exceeded our carrying value by approximately $2.2 billion.

        The total amount of receivables due from equity method investees, including CCE, was approximately $680 million as of December 31, 2004. This amount was primarily reported in our consolidated balance sheet caption trade accounts receivable.

NOTE 3: ISSUANCES OF STOCK BY EQUITY INVESTEES

        In 2004, our Company recorded approximately $24 million of noncash pretax gains on issuances of stock by CCE. The issuances primarily related to the exercise of CCE stock options by CCE employees at amounts greater than the book value per share of our investment in CCE. We provided deferred taxes of approximately $9 million on these gains. These issuances of stock reduced our ownership interest in the total outstanding shares of CCE common stock by approximately 1 percent to approximately 36 percent.

        In 2003, our Company recorded approximately $8 million of noncash pretax gains on issuances of stock by equity investees. These gains primarily related to the issuance by CCE of common stock valued at an amount greater than the book value per share of our investment in CCE. These transactions reduced our ownership interest in the total outstanding shares of CCE common stock by less than 1 percent. No gains or losses on issuances of stock by equity investees were recorded during 2002.

NOTE 4: GOODWILL, TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

        In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment. Our Company is the owner of some of the world's most valuable trademarks. As a result, certain trademarks and franchise rights to bottle and distribute such trademarked products are expected to generate positive cash flows for as long as the Company owns such trademarks and franchise rights for a particular territory. Given the Company's more than 100-year history, certain trademarks and the franchise rights to bottle and distribute products under our trademarks have been assigned indefinite lives. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives. The amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to July 1, 2001, the Company began applying the new accounting rules effective January 1, 2002.

        The adoption of SFAS No. 142 required the Company to perform an initial impairment assessment of all goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of January 1, 2002. The Company compared the fair value of trademarks and other intangible assets to the current carrying value. Fair values were derived using discounted cash flow analyses. The assumptions used in these discounted cash flow analyses were consistent with our internal planning. Valuations were completed for intangible assets for both the Company and our equity method investees. For the Company's intangible assets, the cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle in 2002 was an after-tax decrease to net income of $367 million. For the Company's proportionate share of its

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equity method investees, the cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle in 2002 was an after-tax decrease to net income of $559 million. The deferred income tax benefit related to the cumulative effect of this change for the Company's intangible assets in 2002 was approximately $94 million and for the Company's proportionate share of its equity method investees was approximately $123 million.

        The impairment charges resulting in the after-tax decrease to net income for the cumulative effect of this change by applicable operating segment as of January 1, 2002 were as follows (in millions):

The Company:    
  Asia   $  108
  Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   33
  Latin America   226

    $  367


The Company's proportionate share of its equity method investees:

 

 
  Africa   $    63
  Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   400
  Latin America   96

    $  559

        Of the $108 million impairment recorded as of January 1, 2002 for the Company in Asia, $99 million related to bottlers' franchise rights in our consolidated bottlers in our Southeast and West Asia Division. Difficult economic conditions impacted our business in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Vietnam. As a result, bottlers in these countries experienced lower than expected volume and operating margins.

        Of the Company's $226 million impairment recorded as of January 1, 2002 for Latin America, approximately $113 million related to Company-owned Brazilian bottlers' franchise rights. The Brazilian macroeconomic conditions, the devaluation of the currency and lower pricing impacted the valuation of these bottlers' franchise rights. The remainder of the $226 million primarily related to a $109 million impairment for certain trademarks in Latin America. In early 1999, our Company formed a strategic partnership to market and distribute such trademarked products. The macroeconomic conditions and lower pricing depressed operating margins for these trademarks.

        For Europe, Eurasia and Middle East equity method investees, a $400 million impairment was recorded as of January 1, 2002 for the Company's proportionate share related to bottlers' franchise rights. Of this amount, approximately $301 million related to CCEAG. This impairment was due to a prolonged difficult economic environment in Germany, resulting in continuing losses for CCEAG in eastern Germany. At that time, the market for nonalcoholic beverages was undergoing a transformation. A changing competitive landscape, continuing price pressure and growing demand for new products and packaging were elements impacting CCEAG. The $400 million impairment also included a $50 million charge for Middle East bottlers' franchise rights.

        In our Africa operating segment, a $63 million charge was recorded for the Company's proportionate share of impairments related to equity method investee bottlers' franchise rights. These Middle East and Africa bottlers had challenges as a result of political instability and the resulting economic instability in their respective regions, which adversely impacted financial performance.

        A $96 million impairment was recorded as of January 1, 2002 for the Company's proportionate share related to bottlers' franchise rights of Latin America equity method investees. In southern Latin America, the

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macroeconomic conditions and devaluation of the Argentine peso significantly impacted the valuation of bottlers' franchise rights.

        The following tables set forth the information for intangible assets subject to amortization and for intangible assets not subject to amortization (in millions):

December 31,   2004   2003

Amortized intangible assets (various, principally trademarks):        
  Gross carrying amount   $     292   $     263

  Accumulated amortization   $     128   $       98

Unamortized intangible assets:        
  Trademarks   $  2,037   $  1,979
  Goodwill1   1,097   1,029
  Bottlers' franchise rights2   374   658
  Other   164   158

    $  3,672   $  3,824


1

During 2004, the increase in goodwill primarily resulted from translation adjustments.

2

During 2004, the decrease in franchise rights primarily related to the impairment charge of $354 million related to CCEAG's franchise rights (see discussion below).

Year Ended December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

Aggregate amortization expense   $  40   $  23

Estimated amortization expense:        
  For the year ending:        
    December 31, 2005   $  28    
    December 31, 2006   $  16    
    December 31, 2007   $  16    
    December 31, 2008   $  16    
    December 31, 2009   $  15    

        The goodwill by applicable operating segment as of December 31, 2004 was as follows (in millions):

December 31,   2004   2003

  North America   $     140   $     142
  Asia   37   45
  Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   828   742
  Latin America   92   100

    $  1,097   $  1,029

        In 2004, acquisition of intangible assets totaled approximately $89 million. This amount is primarily related to the Company's acquisition of trademarks with indefinite lives in the Latin America operating segment.

        In 2004, our Company recorded impairment charges related to intangible assets of approximately $374 million. The decrease in franchise rights in 2004 was primarily due to this impairment charge, offset by an increase due to translation adjustment. These impairment charges primarily were in the Europe, Eurasia and

81



Middle East operating segment and were included in other operating charges in our consolidated statement of income. The charge was primarily related to franchise rights at CCEAG. The CCEAG impairment was the result of our revised outlook for the German market that has been unfavorably impacted by volume declines resulting from market shifts related to the deposit law on nonreturnable beverage packages and the corresponding lack of availability for our products in the discount retail channel. The deposit laws in Germany have led to discount chains creating proprietary packages that can only be returned to their own stores. These proprietary packages are continuing to gain market share and customer acceptance.

        At the end of 2004, the German government passed an amendment to the mandatory deposit legislation that will require retailers, including discount chains, to accept returns of each type of non-refillable beverage containers which they sell, regardless of where the beverage container type was purchased. In addition, the mandatory deposit requirement was expanded to other beverage categories. The amendment allows for a transition period to enable manufacturers and retailers to establish a national take-back system for non-refillable containers. The transition period is expected to last at least until mid-2006.

        We determined the amount of the 2004 impairment charges by comparing the fair value of the intangible assets to the current carrying value. Fair values were derived using discounted cash flow analyses with a number of scenarios that were weighted based on the probability of different outcomes. Because the fair value was less than the carrying value of the assets, we recorded an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the assets to fair value. These impairment charges were recorded in the line item other operating charges in the consolidated statement of income for 2004.

        In 2003, acquisitions of intangible assets totaled approximately $142 million. Of this amount, approximately $88 million related to the Company's acquisition of certain intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trademarks and brands in various parts of the world. None of these trademarks and brands was considered individually significant. Additionally, the Company acquired certain brands and related contractual rights from Panamco valued at $54 million in the Latin America operating segment with an estimated useful life of 10 years.

NOTE 5: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

        Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following (in millions):

December 31,   2004   2003

Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses   $  2,238   $  2,014
Accrued marketing   1,194   1,046
Accrued compensation   389   311
Sales, payroll and other taxes   222   225
Container deposits   199   256
Accrued streamlining costs (refer to Note 17)   41   206

    $  4,283   $  4,058

NOTE 6: SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

        Loans and notes payable consist primarily of commercial paper issued in the United States. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had approximately $4,235 million and $2,234 million, respectively, outstanding in commercial paper borrowings. Our weighted-average interest rates for commercial paper outstanding were approximately 2.2 percent and 1.1 percent per year at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, we

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had $1,614 million in lines of credit and other short-term credit facilities available as of December 31, 2004, of which approximately $296 million was outstanding. This entire amount related to our international operations. Included in the available credit facilities discussed above, the Company had $1,150 million in lines of credit for general corporate purposes, including commercial paper back-up. There were no borrowings under these lines of credit during 2004.

        These credit facilities are subject to normal banking terms and conditions. Some of the financial arrangements require compensating balances, none of which is presently significant to our Company.

NOTE 7: LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):

December 31,   2004   2003

Variable rate euro notes due 20041   $       —   $     296
57/8% euro notes due 2005   663   591
4% U.S. dollar notes due 2005   750   749
53/4% U.S. dollar notes due 2009   399   399
53/4% U.S. dollar notes due 2011   499   498
73/8% U.S. dollar notes due 2093   116   116
Other, due through 20132   220   191

    $  2,647   $  2,840
Less current portion   1,490   323

    $  1,157   $  2,517

1 2.4 percent at December 31, 2003.

2

Includes $5 million and $27 million fair value adjustment related to interest rate swap agreements in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Refer to Note 10.

        The above notes include various restrictions, none of which is presently significant to our Company.

        After giving effect to interest rate management instruments, the principal amount of our long-term debt that had fixed and variable interest rates, respectively, was $1,895 million and $752 million on December 31, 2004, and $1,742 million and $1,098 million on December 31, 2003. The weighted-average interest rate on our Company's long-term debt was 4.4 percent and 3.9 percent per annum for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Total interest paid was approximately $188 million, $180 million and $197 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. For a more detailed discussion of interest rate management, refer to Note 10.

        Maturities of long-term debt for the five years succeeding December 31, 2004 are as follows (in millions):

2005   2006   2007   2008   2009

$  1,490   $  43   $  21   $  7   $  406

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NOTE 8: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

        Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), including our proportionate share of equity method investees' accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), consists of the following (in millions):

December 31,     2004     2003  

 
Foreign currency translation adjustment   $   (1,191 ) $   (1,856 )
Accumulated derivative net losses     (80 )   (77 )
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities     91     52  
Minimum pension liability     (168 )   (114 )

 
    $   (1,348 ) $   (1,995 )

 

        A summary of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), including our proportionate share of equity method investees' other comprehensive income, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows (in millions):

    Before-Tax
Amount
  Income
Tax
  After-Tax
Amount
 

 
2004              
Net foreign currency translation adjustment   $  766   $  (101 ) $  665  
Net loss on derivatives   (4 ) 1   (3 )
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   48   (9 ) 39  
Net change in minimum pension liability   (81 ) 27   (54 )

 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   $  729   $  (82 ) $  647  

 

 

 

Before-Tax
Amount

 

Income
Tax

 

After-Tax
Amount

 

 
2003              
Net foreign currency translation adjustment   $     913   $      8   $     921  
Net loss on derivatives   (63 ) 30   (33 )
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   65   (25 ) 40  
Net change in minimum pension liability   181   (57 ) 124  

 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   $  1,096   $   (44 ) $  1,052  

 

 

 

Before-Tax
Amount

 

Income
Tax

 

After-Tax
Amount

 

 
2002              
Net foreign currency translation adjustment   $    (51 ) $  (44 ) $    (95 )
Net loss on derivatives   (284 ) 98   (186 )
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   104   (37 ) 67  
Net change in minimum pension liability   (299 ) 104   (195 )

 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   $  (530 ) $  121   $  (409 )

 

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NOTE 9: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        The carrying amounts reflected in our consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, non-marketable cost method investments, trade accounts receivable and loans and notes payable approximate their respective fair values. The carrying amount and the fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 31, 2004 was approximately $2,647 million and $2,736 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2003, the carrying amount and the fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $2,840 million and $2,942 million, respectively. For additional details about our long-term debt, refer to Note 7.

        Fair values are based primarily on quoted prices for those or similar instruments. Fair values for our derivative financial instruments are included in Note 10.

        With respect to our cash and cash equivalents balances, we manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through specific minimum credit standards, diversification of counterparties and procedures to monitor concentration of credit risk. Based on these factors, we consider the risk of counterparty default to be minimal.

        Investments in debt and marketable equity securities, other than investments accounted for by the equity method, are required to be categorized as either trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. On December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had no trading securities. Securities categorized as available-for-sale are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, reported as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI"). Debt securities, primarily time deposits, categorized as held-to-maturity are stated at amortized cost.

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        On December 31, 2004 and 2003, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities consisted of the following (in millions):

        Gross Unrealized
   
December 31,   Cost   Gains   Losses   Estimated
Fair Value

2004                
Available-for-sale securities:                
  Equity securities   $     144   $     146   $      (2 ) $     288
  Other debt securities   5     (1 ) 4

    $     149   $     146   $      (3 ) $     292

Held-to-maturity securities:                
  Bank and corporate debt   $  4,479   $       —   $     —   $  4,479
  Other debt securities   107       107

    $  4,586   $       —   $     —   $  4,586


 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 
December 31,   Cost   Gains   Losses   Estimated
Fair Value

2003                
Available-for-sale securities:                
  Bank and corporate debt   $     118   $       —   $     —   $     118
  Equity securities   147   97   (12 ) 232
  Other debt securities   76       76

    $     341   $       97   $    (12 ) $     426

Held-to-maturity securities:                
  Bank and corporate debt   $  2,162   $       —   $     —   $  2,162
  Other debt securities   1       1

    $  2,163   $       —   $     —   $  2,163

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        On December 31, 2004 and 2003, these investments were included in the following captions (in millions):

December 31,   Available-
for-Sale
Securities
  Held-to-
Maturity
Securities

2004        
Cash and cash equivalents   $    —   $  4,586
Current marketable securities   61  
Cost method investments, principally bottling companies   229  
Other assets   2  

    $  292   $  4,586


December 31,

 

Available-
for-Sale
Securities

 

Held-to-
Maturity
Securities

2003        
Cash and cash equivalents   $  118   $  2,162
Current marketable securities   120  
Cost method investments, principally bottling companies   185  
Other assets   3   1

    $  426   $  2,163

        The contractual maturities of these investments as of December 31, 2004 were as follows (in millions):

    Available-for-Sale
Securities

  Held-to-Maturity
Securities

    Cost   Fair Value   Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value

2005   $    —   $    —   $  4,586   $  4,586
2006-2009        
2010-2014        
After 2014   5   4    
Equity securities   144   288    

    $  149   $  292   $  4,586   $  4,586

        For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, gross realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities were not material. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

NOTE 10: HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Our Company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, in commodity prices and other market risks. When entered into, the Company formally designates and documents the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge

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transactions. The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. Virtually all of our derivatives are straightforward over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets. Our Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

        The fair values of derivatives used to hedge or modify our risks fluctuate over time. We do not view these fair value amounts in isolation, but rather in relation to the fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged transactions or other exposures. The notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments do not necessarily represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, therefore, are not a direct measure of our exposure to the financial risks described above. The amounts exchanged are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivatives, such as interest rates, exchange rates or other financial indices.

        Our Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. At the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company must designate the instrument as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. This designation is based upon the exposure being hedged.

        We have established strict counterparty credit guidelines and enter into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. We monitor counterparty exposures daily and review any downgrade in credit rating immediately. If a downgrade in the credit rating of a counterparty were to occur, we have provisions requiring collateral in the form of U.S. government securities for substantially all of our transactions. To mitigate presettlement risk, minimum credit standards become more stringent as the duration of the derivative financial instrument increases. To minimize the concentration of credit risk, we enter into derivative transactions with a portfolio of financial institutions. The Company has master netting agreements with most of the financial institutions that are counterparties to the derivative instruments. These agreements allow for the net settlement of assets and liabilities arising from different transactions with the same counterparty. Based on these factors, we consider the risk of counterparty default to be minimal.

        Our Company monitors our mix of fixed rate and variable rate debt, as well as our mix of term debt versus non-term debt. This monitoring includes a review of business and other financial risks. We also enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage these risks. These contracts had maturities of less than one year on December 31, 2004. Interest rate swap agreements that meet certain conditions required under SFAS No. 133 for fair value hedges are accounted for as such, with the offset recorded to adjust the fair value of the underlying exposure being hedged. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, there has been no ineffectiveness related to fair value hedges. The fair values of our Company's interest rate swap agreements were approximately $6 million and $28 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company estimates the fair value of its interest rate management derivatives based on quoted market prices.

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        The purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to reduce the risk that our eventual U.S. dollar net cash inflows resulting from sales outside the United States will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.

        We enter into forward exchange contracts and purchase currency options (principally euro and Japanese yen) and collars to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. The effective portion of the changes in fair value for these contracts, which have been designated as cash flow hedges, are reported in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same financial statement line item and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion (which was not significant in 2004, 2003 or 2002) of the change in fair value of these instruments is immediately recognized in earnings. These contracts had maturities up to one year on December 31, 2004.

        Additionally, the Company enters into forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133. These instruments are used to offset the earnings impact relating to the variability in exchange rates on certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are immediately recognized in earnings in the line item other income (loss)—net of our consolidated statements of income to offset the effect of remeasurement of the monetary assets and liabilities.

        The Company also enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge its net investment position in certain major currencies. Under SFAS No. 133, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of AOCI, to offset the change in the value of the net investment being hedged. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, approximately $8 million, $29 million and $26 million, respectively, of losses relating to derivative financial instruments were recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment.

        For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, we recorded an increase (decrease) to AOCI of approximately $6 million, $(31) million and $(151) million, respectively, net of both income taxes and reclassifications to earnings, primarily related to gains and losses on foreign currency cash flow hedges. These items will generally offset cash flow gains and losses relating to the underlying exposures being hedged in future periods. The Company estimates that it will reclassify into earnings during the next 12 months losses of approximately $35 million from the after-tax amount recorded in AOCI as of December 31, 2004 as the anticipated foreign currency cash flows occur.

        The Company did not discontinue any cash flow hedge relationships during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

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        The following table summarizes activity in AOCI related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges held by the Company during the applicable periods (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   Before-Tax
Amount
  Income
Tax
  After-Tax
Amount
 

 
2004              
Accumulated derivative net losses as of January 1, 2004   $  (66 ) $    26   $  (40 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives   (76 ) 30   (46 )
Net losses reclassified from AOCI into earnings   86   (34 ) 52  

 
Accumulated derivative net losses as of December 31, 2004   $  (56 ) $    22   $  (34 )

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Before-Tax
Amount

 

Income
Tax

 

After-Tax
Amount

 

 
2003              
Accumulated derivative net losses as of January 1, 2003   $    (15 ) $      6   $      (9 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives   (165 ) 65   (100 )
Net losses reclassified from AOCI into earnings   114   (45 ) 69  

 
Accumulated derivative net losses as of December 31, 2003   $    (66 ) $    26   $    (40 )

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Before-Tax
Amount

 

Income
Tax

 

After-Tax
Amount

 

 
2002              
Accumulated derivative net gains as of January 1, 2002   $    234   $  (92 ) $  142  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives   (129 ) 51   (78 )
Net gains reclassified from AOCI into earnings   (120 ) 47   (73 )

 
Accumulated derivative net losses as of December 31, 2002   $     (15 ) $     6   $     (9 )

 

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        The following table presents the fair values, carrying values and maturities of the Company's foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding (in millions):

December 31,   Carrying
Values
Assets
  Fair
Values
  Maturity

2004            
Forward contracts   $  27   $  27   2005
Options and collars   12   12   2005

    $  39   $  39    


December 31,

 

Carrying
Values
Assets
(Liabilities




)

Fair
Values

 

Maturity

2003            
Forward contracts   $  (25 ) $  (25 ) 2004
Options and collars   3   3   2004

    $  (22 ) $  (22 )  

        The Company estimates the fair value of its foreign currency derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. This amount is primarily reflected in prepaid expenses and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        On December 31, 2004 we were contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties in the amount of $257 million. These guarantees are related to third-party customers, bottlers and vendors and have arisen through the normal course of business. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees is individually significant. The amount represents the maximum potential future payments that we could be required to make under the guarantees; however, we do not consider it probable that we will be required to satisfy these guarantees.

        Additionally, in December 2003, we granted a $250 million standby line of credit to Coca-Cola FEMSA with normal market terms. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, no amounts have been drawn against this line of credit. This standby letter of credit expires in December 2006.

        We believe our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diverse geographic areas covered by our operations.

        The Company is also involved in various legal proceedings. We establish reserves for specific legal proceedings when we determine that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable. Management has also identified certain other legal matters where we believe an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible for which no estimate of possible losses can be made. Management believes that any liability to the Company that may arise as a result of currently pending legal proceedings, including those discussed below, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.

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        In 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") began conducting an investigation into whether the Company or certain persons associated with the Company violated federal securities laws in connection with the conduct alleged by a former employee of the Company. Additionally, in 2003 the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia commenced a criminal investigation of the allegations raised by the same former employee. The Company is continuing to cooperate with the United States Attorney's office and the SEC.

        During the period from 1970 to 1981, our Company owned Aqua-Chem, Inc. ("Aqua-Chem"). A division of Aqua-Chem manufactured certain boilers that contained gaskets that Aqua-Chem purchased from outside suppliers. Several years after our Company sold this entity, Aqua-Chem received its first lawsuit relating to asbestos, a component of some of the gaskets. In September 2002, Aqua-Chem notified our Company that it believes we are obligated to them for certain costs and expenses associated with the litigation. Aqua-Chem demanded that our Company reimburse it for approximately $10 million for out-of-pocket litigation-related expenses incurred over the last 18 years. Aqua-Chem has also demanded that the Company acknowledge a continuing obligation to Aqua-Chem for any future liabilities and expenses that are excluded from coverage under the applicable insurance or for which there is no insurance. Our Company disputes Aqua-Chem's claims, and we believe we have no obligation to Aqua-Chem for any of its past, present or future liabilities, costs or expenses. Furthermore, we believe we have substantial legal and factual defenses to Aqua-Chem's claims. The parties entered into litigation to resolve this dispute, which was stayed by agreement of the parties pending the outcome of litigation filed by certain insurers of Aqua-Chem. In that case, five plaintiff insurance companies filed a declaratory judgment action against Aqua-Chem, the Company and 16 defendant insurance companies seeking a determination of the parties' rights and liabilities under policies issued by the insurers. That litigation remains pending, and the Company believes it has substantial legal and factual defenses to the insurers' claims. Aqua-Chem and the Company have reached an agreement in principle to settle with five of the insurers in the Wisconsin insurance coverage litigation, and those insurers will pay funds into an escrow account for payment of costs arising from the asbestos claims against Aqua-Chem. Aqua-Chem and the Company will continue to litigate their claims for coverage against the 16 other insurers that are parties to the Wisconsin insurance coverage case. The Company also believes Aqua-Chem has substantial insurance coverage to pay Aqua-Chem's asbestos claimants. An estimate of possible losses, if any, cannot be made at this time.

        Since 1999, the Competition Directorate of the European Commission (the "Commission") has been conducting an investigation of various commercial and market practices of the Company and its bottlers in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Great Britain. On October 19, 2004, our Company and certain of our bottlers submitted a formal Undertaking to the Commission, and the Commission accepted the Undertaking. The Undertaking will potentially apply in 27 countries and in all channels of distribution where our carbonated soft drinks account for over 40 percent of national sales and twice the nearest competitor's share. It will take more than 12 months to fully implement the Undertaking and for the market to react to any resulting changes. The commitments we made in the Undertaking relate broadly to exclusivity, percentage-based purchasing commitments, transparency, target rebates, tying, assortment or range commitments, and agreements concerning products of other suppliers. The Undertaking will also apply to shelf space commitments in agreements with take-home customers and to financing and availability agreements in the on-premise channel. In addition, the Undertaking includes commitments that will be applicable to commercial arrangements concerning the installation and use of technical equipment (such as coolers, fountain equipment and vending machines). The commitments set forth in the Undertaking have been published for third-party comments. Following the comment period, the Commission presented to the Company certain comments it had received

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from third parties, as well as certain additional comments from the Commission's legal staff. The Company is in the process of addressing these comments with the Commission. The Company anticipates that the formal Undertaking will form the basis of a Commission decision pursuant to Article 9, paragraph 1 of Council Regulation 1/2003 to be issued in the second quarter of 2005, bringing an end to the investigation. The submission of the Undertaking does not imply any recognition on the Company's or the bottlers' part of any infringement of Commission competition rules. We believe that the Undertaking, while imposing restrictions, clarifies the application of competition rules to our practices in Europe and will allow our system to be able to compete vigorously while adhering to the Undertaking's provisions.

        The Company is also discussing with the Commission issues relating to parallel trade within the European Union arising out of comments received by the Commission from third parties. The Company is fully cooperating with the Commission and is providing information on these issues and the measures taken and to be taken to address any issues raised. The Company is unable to predict at this time with any reasonable degree of certainty what action, if any, the Commission will take with respect to these issues.

        The Spanish competition service made unannounced visits to our offices and those of certain bottlers in Spain in 2000. In December 2003, the Spanish competition service suspended its investigation until the Commission notifies the service of how the Commission will proceed in its aforementioned investigation.

        The French Competition Directorate has also initiated an inquiry into commercial practices related to the soft drink sector in France. This inquiry has been conducted through visits to the offices of the Company; however, no conclusions have been communicated to the Company by the Directorate.

        At the time of divesting our interest in a consolidated entity, we sometimes agree to indemnify the buyer for specific liabilities related to the period we owned the entity. Management believes that any liability to the Company that may arise as a result of any such indemnification agreements will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.

        The Company is involved in various tax matters. We establish reserves at the time that we determine that it is probable that we will be liable to pay additional taxes related to certain matters. We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit.

        A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we may have established a reserve, is audited and finally resolved or when a tax assessment is raised. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we record a reserve when we determine the likelihood of loss is probable and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable. Such liabilities are recorded in the line item accrued income taxes in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Favorable resolution of tax matters that had been previously reserved would be recognized as a reduction to our income tax expense, when known.

        The Company is also involved in various tax matters where we have determined that the probability of an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible. Management believes that any liability to the Company that may arise as a result of currently pending tax matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.

        The Company is a party to various legal proceedings in which we are seeking to be reimbursed for costs that we have incurred in the past. Although none of these reimbursements has been realized at this time, the

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Company expects final resolution of certain matters in 2005. Management believes that any gains to the Company that may arise as a result of the final resolutions of these matters will not have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.

NOTE 12: NET CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

        Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to the net change in operating assets and liabilities is composed of the following (in millions):

    2004   2003   2002  

 
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable   $      (5 ) $     80   $    (83 )
Decrease (increase) in inventories   (57 ) 111   (49 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets   (397 ) (276 ) 74  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses   45   (164 ) (442 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes   (194 ) 53   20  
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities   (9 ) 28   73  

 
    $  (617 ) $  (168 ) $  (407 )

 

NOTE 13: RESTRICTED STOCK, STOCK OPTIONS AND OTHER STOCK PLANS

        Prior to 2002, our Company accounted for our stock option plans and restricted stock plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. Effective January 1, 2002, our Company adopted the preferable fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123. Our Company selected the modified prospective method of adoption described in SFAS No. 148. Compensation cost recognized in 2002 was the same as that which would have been recognized had the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 been applied from its original effective date. Refer to Note 1.

        In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148, $345 million, $422 million and $365 million were recorded for total stock-based compensation expense in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The $345 million and $365 million recorded in 2004 and 2002, respectively, were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Of the $422 million recorded in 2003, $407 million was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and $15 million was recorded in other operating charges. Refer to Note 17.

        Under our 1991 Stock Option Plan (the "1991 Option Plan"), a maximum of 120 million shares of our common stock was approved to be issued or transferred to certain officers and employees pursuant to stock options granted under the 1991 Option Plan. Options to purchase common stock under the 1991 Option Plan have been granted to Company employees at fair market value at the date of grant.

        The 1999 Stock Option Plan (the "1999 Option Plan") was approved by shareowners in April 1999. Following the approval of the 1999 Option Plan, no grants were made from the 1991 Option Plan, and shares available under the 1991 Option Plan were no longer available to be granted. Under the 1999 Option Plan, a maximum of 120 million shares of our common stock was approved to be issued or transferred to certain officers and employees pursuant to stock options granted under the 1999 Option Plan. Options to purchase common stock under the 1999 Option Plan have been granted to Company employees at fair market value at the date of grant.

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        The 2002 Stock Option Plan (the "2002 Option Plan") was approved by shareowners in April 2002. Under the 2002 Option Plan, a maximum of 120 million shares of our common stock was approved to be issued or transferred to certain officers and employees pursuant to stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2002 Option Plan. The stock appreciation rights permit the holder, upon surrendering all or part of the related stock option, to receive common stock in an amount up to 100 percent of the difference between the market price and the option price. No stock appreciation rights have been issued under the 2002 Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2004. Options to purchase common stock under the 2002 Option Plan have been granted to Company employees at fair market value at the date of grant.

        Stock options granted in December 2003 and thereafter generally become exercisable over a four-year vesting period and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Stock option grants from 1999 through July 2003 generally become exercisable over a four-year vesting period and expire 15 years from the date of grant. Prior to 1999, stock options generally became exercisable over a three-year vesting period and expired 10 years from the date of grant.

        The following table sets forth information about the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:

    2004   2003   2002  

 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted   $  8.84   $  13.49   $  13.10  
Dividend yields   2.5 % 1.9 % 1.7 %
Expected volatility   23.0 % 28.1 % 30.2 %
Risk-free interest rates   3.8 % 3.5 % 3.4 %
Expected lives   6 years   6 years   6 years  

 

        To ensure the best market-based assumptions were used to determine the estimated fair value of stock options granted in 2004, 2003 and 2002, we obtained two independent market quotes. Our Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model value was not materially different from the independent quotes.

        A summary of stock option activity under all plans is as follows (shares in millions):

    2004
  2003
  2002
    Shares   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding on January 1   167   $  50.56   159   $  50.24   141   $  51.16
Granted1   31   41.63   24   49.67   29   44.69
Exercised   (5 ) 35.54   (4 ) 26.96   (3 ) 31.09
Forfeited/expired2   (10 ) 51.64   (12 ) 51.45   (8 ) 54.21

Outstanding on December 31   183   $  49.41   167   $  50.56   159   $  50.24

Exercisable on December 31   116   $  52.02   102   $  51.97   80   $  51.72

Shares available on December 31 for options that may be granted   85       108       122    

1 No grants were made from the 1991 Option Plan during 2004, 2003 or 2002.

2

Shares forfeited/expired relate to the 1991, 1999 and 2002 Option Plans.

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        The following table summarizes information about stock options at December 31, 2004 (shares in millions):

    Outstanding Stock Options
  Exercisable Stock Options
Range of Exercise Prices   Shares   Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  Shares   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$  30.00 to $  40.00   6   0.8 years   $  35.63   6   $  35.63
$  40.01 to $  50.00   119   10.3 years   $  46.03   53   $  47.57
$  50.01 to $  60.00   48   9.1 years   $  56.25   47   $  56.30
$  60.01 to $  86.75   10   3.8 years   $  65.85   10   $  65.85

$  30.00 to $  86.75   183   9.3 years   $  49.41   116   $  52.02

        Under the amended 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan and the amended 1983 Restricted Stock Award Plan (the "Restricted Stock Award Plans"), 40 million and 24 million shares of restricted common stock, respectively, were originally available to be granted to certain officers and key employees of our Company.

        On December 31, 2004, 31 million shares remain available for grant under the Restricted Stock Award Plans. Participants are entitled to vote and receive dividends on the shares and, under the 1983 Restricted Stock Award Plan, participants are reimbursed by our Company for income taxes imposed on the award, but not for taxes generated by the reimbursement payment. The shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions and may be forfeited if a participant leaves our Company for reasons other than retirement, disability or death, absent a change in control of our Company.

        The following awards were outstanding as of December 31, 2004:

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Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards

        The following table summarizes information about time-based restricted stock awards:

    Number of Shares
 
    2004   2003   2002  

 
Outstanding on January 1,   1,224,900   1,506,485   1,492,985  
Granted1   140,000     30,000  
Released   (296,800 ) (254,585 ) (14,000 )
Cancelled/Forfeited   (554,400 ) (27,000 ) (2,500 )

 
Outstanding on December 31,   513,700   1,224,900   1,506,485  

 
1 In 2004 and 2002, the Company granted time-based restricted stock awards with average per share fair values of $48.97 and $50.99, respectively.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards

        In 2001, shareowners approved an amendment to the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan to allow for the grant of performance-based awards. These awards are released only upon the achievement of specific measurable performance criteria. These awards pay dividends during the performance period. The majority of awards had specific earnings per share targets for achievement. If the earnings per share target is not met, the awards will be cancelled.

        The following table summarizes information about performance-based restricted stock awards:

    Number of Shares
 
    2004   2003   2002  

 
Outstanding on January 1,   2,507,720   2,655,000   2,605,000  
Granted1     52,720   50,000  
Released   (110,000 )    
Cancelled/Forfeited   (1,684,720 ) (200,000 )  

 
Outstanding on December 31,   713,000 2 2,507,720 2 2,655,000 2

 
1 In 2003, 52,720 shares of three-year performance-based restricted stock were granted at an average fair value of $42.91 per share. In 2002, 50,000 shares of four-year performance-based restricted stock were granted at an average fair value of $46.88 per share.
2 In 2002, the Company promised to grant an additional 50,000 shares at the end of three years and an additional 75,000 shares at the end of four years, at an average value of $46.88, if the Company achieved predefined performance targets over the respective measurement periods. These awards are similar to the performance-based restricted stock, including the payment of dividend equivalents, but were granted in this manner because the employees were situated outside of the United States. As of December 31, 2004, these grants were still outstanding.

        The Company did not recognize compensation expense for the majority of these awards, as it is not probable the performance targets will be achieved.

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Performance Share Unit Awards

        In 2003, the Company modified its use of performance-based awards and established a program to grant performance share unit awards under the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan to executives. The number of performance share units earned shall be determined at the end of each performance period, generally three years, based on performance measurements determined by the Board of Directors and may result in an award of restricted stock for U.S. participants and certain international participants at that time. The restricted stock may be granted to other international participants shortly before the fifth anniversary of the original award. Restrictions on such stock lapse generally on the fifth anniversary of the original award date. Generally, performance share unit awards are subject to the performance criteria of compound annual growth in earnings per share over the performance period, as adjusted for certain items approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("adjusted EPS"). The purpose of these adjustments is to ensure a consistent year to year comparison of the specified performance measure.

        Performance share unit Target Awards for the 2004-2006 and 2005-2007 performance periods require adjusted EPS growth in line with our Company's internal projections over the performance period. In the event adjusted EPS exceeds the target projection, additional shares up to the Maximum Award may be granted. In the event adjusted EPS falls below the target projection, a reduced number of shares as few as the Threshold Award may be granted. If adjusted EPS falls below the Threshold Award performance level, no shares will be granted. Of the outstanding granted performance share unit awards as of December 31, 2004, 741,985 and 769,462 awards are for the 2004-2006 and 2005-2007 performance periods, respectively. In addition, 72,000 performance share unit awards, with predefined qualitative performance measures other than adjusted EPS and other release criteria that differ from the program described above, are included in the performance share units granted in 2004.

        The following table summarizes information about performance share unit awards:

    Number of Share Units
    2004   2003

Outstanding on January 1,   798,931  
Granted1   953,196   798,931
Cancelled/Forfeited   (168,680 )

Outstanding on December 31,   1,583,447   798,931

Threshold Award

 

950,837

 

399,466
Target Award   1,583,447   798,931
Maximum Award   2,339,171   1,198,397

1 In 2004 and 2003, the Company granted performance share unit awards with average fair values of $38.71 and $46.78, respectively.

        The Company did not recognize any compensation expense in 2004 for awards from the 2004-2006 performance period, as it is not probable the Threshold Award performance level will be achieved.

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NOTE 14: PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

        Our Company sponsors and/or contributes to pension and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. We also sponsor nonqualified, unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain members of management. In addition, our Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans and other forms of postretirement arrangements outside the United States. We use a measurement date of December 31 for substantially all of our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

        The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligations for our benefit plans (in millions):

    Pension Benefits
  Other Benefits
 
December 31,   2004   2003   2004   2003  

 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year1   $  2,495   $  2,182   $  761   $  651  
Service cost   85   76   27   25  
Interest cost   147   140   44   44  
Foreign currency exchange rate changes   71   90   1   1  
Amendments     (2 )   (25 )
Actuarial (gain) loss2   124   142   (11 ) 86  
Benefits paid3   (125 ) (122 ) (25 ) (22 )
Curtailments   3   (23 )   (6 )
Special termination benefits     12     5  
Other       4   2  

 
Benefit obligation at end of year1   $  2,800   $  2,495   $  801   $  761  

 
1 For pension benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For other benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.

2

During 2004, our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was reduced by $67 million due to the adoption of FSP 106-2. Refer to Note 1.

3

Benefits paid from pension benefit plans during 2004 and 2003 included $25 million and $27 million, respectively, in payments related to unfunded pension plans that were paid from Company assets. All of the benefits paid from other benefit plans during 2004 and 2003 were paid from Company assets.

        The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $2,440 million and $2,145 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        The total projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1,112 million and $388 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004 and $941 million and $311 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. The total accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $916 million and $341 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004 and $770 million and $274 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.

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        The following table sets forth the change in the fair value of plan assets for our benefit plans (in millions):

    Pension Benefits
  Other Benefits
December 31,   2004   2003   2004   2003

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year1   $  2,024   $  1,452   $  —   $  —
Actual return on plan assets   243   405   1  
Employer contributions   179   208   9  
Foreign currency exchange rate changes   51   54    
Benefits paid   (100 ) (95 )  

Fair value of plan assets at end of year1   $  2,397   $  2,024   $  10   $  —

1   Plan assets include 1.6 million shares of common stock of our Company with a fair value of $67 million and $82 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Dividends received on common stock of our Company during 2004 and 2003 were $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

        The pension and other benefit amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in millions):

    Pension Benefits
  Other Benefits
 
December 31,   2004   2003   2004   2003  

 
Funded status—plan assets less than benefit obligations   $  (403 ) $  (471 ) $  (791 ) $  (761 )
Unrecognized net actuarial loss   447   429   187   203  
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)   47   55   (6 ) (7 )

 
Net prepaid asset (liability) recognized   $     91   $     13   $  (610 ) $  (565 )

 
Prepaid benefit cost   $   527   $   407   $     —   $     —  
Accrued benefit liability   (595 ) (519 ) (610 ) (565 )
Intangible asset   15   16      
Accumulated other comprehensive income   144   109      

 
Net prepaid asset (liability) recognized   $     91   $     13   $  (610 ) $  (565 )

 

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        Net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans consists of the following (in millions):

    Pension Benefits
  Other Benefits
Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002   2004   2003   2002

Service cost   $    85   $    76   $    63   $  27   $  25   $  18
Interest cost   147   140   132   44   44   38
Expected return on plan assets   (153 ) (130 ) (137 )    
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)   8   7   6   (1 )   2
Recognized net actuarial loss   35   27   8   3   6  

Net periodic benefit cost1   $  122   $  120   $    72   $  73   $  75   $  58

1 During 2004, net periodic benefit cost for our other postretirement benefit plans was reduced by $12 million due to our adoption of FSP 106-2. Refer to Note 1.

        In 2003, the Company recorded a charge of $23 million for special retirement benefits and curtailment costs as part of the streamlining costs discussed in Note 17.

        The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations are as follows:

    Pension Benefits
  Other Benefits
 
December 31,   2004   2003   2004   2003  

 
Discount rate   51/2 % 6 % 6 % 61/4 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels   4 % 41/4 % 41/2 % 41/2 %

 

        The weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

    Pension Benefits
  Other Benefits
 
Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002   2004   2003   2002  

 
Discount rate1   6 % 6 % 61/2 % 61/4 % 61/2 % 71/4 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels   41/4 % 41/4 % 41/4 % 41/2 % 41/2 % 41/2 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets   73/4 % 73/4 % 81/4 % 81/2 %    

 
1   On March 27, 2003, the primary qualified and nonqualified U.S. pension plans, as well as the U.S. postretirement health care plan, were remeasured to reflect the effect of the curtailment resulting from the Company's streamlining initiatives. Refer to Note 17. The discount rate assumption used to determine 2003 net periodic benefit cost for these U.S. plans was 63/4 percent prior to the remeasurement and 61/2 percent subsequent to the remeasurement. This change in the discount rate is reflected in the 2003 weighted-average discount rate of 6 percent for all pension benefit plans and 61/2 percent for other benefit plans.

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        The assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:

December 31,   2004   2003  

 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year   91/2 % 10 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)   51/4 % 51/4 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate   2010   2009  

 

        Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plans. A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects (in millions):

    One Percentage Point
Increase
  One Percentage Point
Decrease
 

 
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2004   $  128   $  (111 )
Effect on total of service cost and interest cost in 2004   $    13   $    (11 )

 

        The discount rate assumptions used to account for pension and other postretirement benefit plans reflect the rates at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. These rates were determined using a cash flow matching technique whereby a hypothetical portfolio of high quality debt securities was constructed that mirrors the specific benefit obligations for each of our primary plans. The rate of compensation increase assumption is determined by the Company based upon annual reviews. We review external data and our own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rate assumptions.

        The following table sets forth the actual asset allocation and weighted-average target asset allocation for our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plan assets:

December 31,   2004   2003   Target Asset
Allocation
 

 
Equity securities1   60 % 60 % 56 %
Debt securities   31 % 32 % 35 %
Real estate and other2   9 % 8 % 9 %

 
Total   100 % 100 % 100 %

 
1 As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, 3 percent and 4 percent, respectively, of total pension plan assets were invested in common stock of our Company.

2

As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, 4 percent of total pension plan assets were invested in real estate.

        Investment objectives for the Company's U.S. pension plan assets, which comprise 72 percent of total pension plan assets as of December 31, 2004, are to:

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        Asset allocation targets promote optimal expected return and volatility characteristics given the long-term time horizon for fulfilling the obligations of the pension plans. Selection of the targeted asset allocation for U.S. plan assets was based upon a review of the expected return and risk characteristics of each asset class, as well as the correlation of returns among asset classes.

        Investment guidelines are established with each investment manager. These guidelines provide the parameters within which the investment managers agree to operate, including criteria that determine eligible and ineligible securities, diversification requirements and credit quality standards, where applicable. Unless exceptions have been approved, investment managers are prohibited from buying or selling commodities, futures or option contracts, as well as from short selling of securities. Furthermore, investment managers agree to obtain written approval for deviations from stated investment style or guidelines.

        As of December 31, 2004, no investment manager was responsible for more than 10 percent of total U.S. plan assets. In addition, diversification requirements for each investment manager prevent a single security or other investment from exceeding 10 percent, at historical cost, of the total U.S. plan assets.

        The expected long-term rate of return assumption on U.S. plan assets is based upon the target asset allocation and is determined using forward-looking assumptions in the context of historical returns and volatilities for each asset class, as well as correlations among asset classes. We evaluate the rate of return assumption on an annual basis. The expected long-term rate of return assumption used in computing 2004 net periodic pension cost for the U.S. plans was 8.5 percent. As of December 2004, the 10 year annualized return on U.S. plan assets was 11.8 percent, the 15 year annualized return was 11.0 percent, and the annualized return since inception was 12.9 percent.

        Plan assets for our pension plans outside the United States are insignificant on an individual plan basis.

        Information about the expected cash flow for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

    Pension
Benefits
  Other
Benefits

Expected employer contributions:        
2005   $  114   $      9
Expected benefit payments1:        
2005   130   30
2006   121   32
2007   126   35
2008   128   37
2009   129   40
2010-2014   706   236

1 The expected benefit payments for our other postretirement benefit plans do not reflect any estimated federal subsidies expected to be received under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. Federal subsidies are estimated to range from $2.1 million in 2005 to $2.8 million in 2009 and are estimated to be $18.5 million for the period 2010-2014.

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        Our Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution plan covering substantially all U.S. employees. Under this plan, we match 100 percent of participants' contributions up to a maximum of 3 percent of compensation. Company contributions to the U.S. plan were $18 million, $20 million and $20 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We also sponsor defined contribution plans in certain locations outside the United States. Company contributions to these plans were $8 million, $7 million and $6 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

NOTE 15: INCOME TAXES

        Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change consists of the following (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,     2004     2003     2002

United States   $   2,535   $   2,029   $   2,062
International     3,687     3,466     3,437

    $   6,222   $   5,495   $   5,499

        Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   United
States
  State and
Local
  International   Total  

 
2004                  
  Current   $    350   $  64   $  799   $  1,213  
  Deferred   209   29   (76 ) 162  
2003                  
  Current   $    426   $  84   $  826   $  1,336  
  Deferred   (145 ) (11 ) (32 ) (188 )
2002                  
  Current   $    455   $  55   $  973   $  1,483  
  Deferred   2   23   15   40  

 

        We made income tax payments of approximately $1,500 million, $1,325 million and $1,508 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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        A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal rate and effective rates is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002  

 
Statutory U.S. federal rate   35.0   % 35.0   % 35.0   %
State income taxes—net of federal benefit   1.0   0.9   0.9  
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory U.S. federal rate   (9.4 )1,2 (10.6 )7 (6.0 )
Equity income or loss   (3.1 )3,4 (2.4 )8 (2.0 )10
Other operating charges   (0.9 )5 (1.1 )9  
Write-down/sale of certain bottling investments       0.7   11
Other—net   (0.5 )6 (0.9 ) (0.9 )

 
Effective rates   22.1   % 20.9   % 27.7   %

 
1 Includes approximately $92 million (or 1.4 percent) tax benefit related to the favorable resolution of various tax issues and settlements.

2

Includes tax charge of approximately $75 million (or 1.2 percent) related to recording of valuation allowance on various deferred tax assets recorded in Germany.

3

Includes approximately $50 million (or 0.8 percent) tax benefit related to the realization of certain foreign tax credits per provisions of the Jobs Creation Act.

4

Includes approximately $13 million (or 0.1 percent) tax charge on our proportionate share of the favorable tax settlement related to Coca-Cola FEMSA.

5

Primarily related to impairment of franchise rights at CCEAG and certain manufacturing investments. Refer to Note 16.

6

Includes approximately $36 million (or 0.6 percent) tax benefit related to the favorable resolution of various tax issues and settlements.

7

Includes approximately $50 million (or 0.8 percent) tax benefit for the release of tax reserves due primarily to the resolution of various tax matters.

8

Includes the tax effect of the write-down of certain intangible assets held by bottling investments in Latin America. Refer to Note 2.

9

Includes the tax effect of the charges for streamlining initiatives. Refer to Note 17.

10

Includes the tax effect of the charges by equity investees in 2002. Refer to Note 16.

11

Includes gains on the sale of Cervejarias Kaiser Brazil, Ltda and the write-down of certain bottling investments, primarily in Latin America. Refer to Note 16.

        Our effective tax rate reflects the tax benefits from having significant operations outside the United States that are taxed at rates lower than the statutory U.S. rate of 35 percent. In 2003, our effective tax rate reflects further benefit from realization of tax benefits on charges related to streamlining initiatives recorded in locations with tax rates higher than our effective tax rate.

        In 2003, management concluded that it was more likely than not that tax benefits would not be realized on Coca-Cola FEMSA's write-down of intangible assets in Latin America in connection with its merger with Panamco. Refer to Note 2. In 2002, management concluded that it was more likely than not that tax benefits would not be realized with respect to principally all of the items disclosed in Note 16. Accordingly, valuation

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allowances were recorded to offset the future tax benefit of these items, resulting in an increase in our effective tax rate.

        Undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $9.8 billion at December 31, 2004. Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. federal and state income taxes have been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practical because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credits would be available to reduce a portion of the U.S. liability.

        As discussed in Note 1, the Jobs Creation Act was enacted in October 2004. One of the provisions provides a one time benefit related to foreign tax credits generated by equity investments in prior years. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $50 million as a result of this law change in 2004. The Jobs Creation Act also includes a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate foreign earnings at an effective 5.25 percent tax rate. As of December 31, 2004, management had not decided whether, and to what extent, we might repatriate foreign earnings under the Jobs Creation Act, and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not reflect any provision for taxes on the unremitted foreign earnings that might be remitted under the Jobs Creation Act. Based on our analysis to date, however, it is reasonably possible that we may repatriate some amount between $0 and $6.1 billion, with the respective tax liability ranging from $0 to $400 million. We expect to be in a position to finalize our assessment by December 31, 2005.

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        The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in millions):

December 31,     2004     2003  

 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Property, plant and equipment   $ 71   $ 87  
  Trademarks and other intangible assets     65     68  
  Equity method investments (including translation adjustment)     530     485  
  Other liabilities     149     242  
  Benefit plans     594     669  
  Net operating/capital loss carryforwards     856     711  
  Other     257     195  

 
Gross deferred tax assets     2,522     2,457  
Valuation allowance     (854 )   (630 )

 
Total deferred tax assets1   $ 1,668   $ 1,827  

 
Deferred tax liabilities:              
  Property, plant and equipment   $ (684 ) $ (737 )
  Trademarks and other intangible assets     (247 )   (247 )
  Equity method investments (including translation adjustment)     (612 )   (468 )
  Other liabilities     (71 )   (55 )
  Other     (180 )   (211 )

 
Total deferred tax liabilities   $ (1,794 ) $ (1,718 )

 
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)   $ (126 ) $ 109  

 
1 Deferred tax assets of $324 million and $446 million were included in the consolidated balance sheet line item other assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        On December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had approximately $194 million and $160 million, respectively, of net deferred tax assets located in countries outside the United States.

        On December 31, 2004, we had $3,258 million of loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income. Loss carryforwards of $861 million must be utilized within the next five years; $550 million must be utilized within the next 10 years and the remainder can be utilized over a period greater than 10 years.

NOTE 16: SIGNIFICANT OPERATING AND NONOPERATING ITEMS

        Operating income in 2004 reflected the impact of $480 million of expenses primarily related to impairment charges for franchise rights and certain manufacturing investments. These impairment charges were recorded in the consolidated statement of income line item other operating charges.

        In the second quarter of 2004, we recorded impairment charges totaling approximately $88 million. These impairments primarily related to the write-downs of certain manufacturing investments and an intangible asset. As a result of operating losses, management prepared analyses of cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Because the sum of the undiscounted cash flows was less than the carrying value of such assets, we recorded an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the assets to fair value.

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        In the second quarter of 2004, our Company's equity income benefited by approximately $37 million for our proportionate share of a favorable tax settlement related to Coca-Cola FEMSA.

        In the third quarter of 2004, we recorded impairment charges of approximately $392 million, which were primarily related to the impairment of franchise rights at CCEAG. The CCEAG impairment was the result of our revised outlook for the German market, which has been unfavorably impacted by volume declines resulting from market shifts related to the deposit law on nonreturnable beverage packages and the corresponding lack of availability of our products in the discount retail channel. Refer to Note 4.

        In the fourth quarter of 2004, our Company received a $75 million insurance settlement related to the class-action lawsuit that was settled in 2000. Also in the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company donated $75 million to the Coca-Cola Foundation.

        In the first quarter of 2003, the Company reached a settlement with certain defendants in a vitamin antitrust litigation matter. In that litigation, the Company alleged that certain vitamin manufacturers participated in a global conspiracy to fix the price of some vitamins, including vitamins used in the manufacture of some of the Company's products. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company received a settlement relating to this litigation of approximately $52 million on a pretax basis, or $0.01 per share on an after-tax basis. The amount was recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold.

        Refer to Note 2 for disclosure regarding the merger of Coca-Cola FEMSA and Panamco in 2003 and the recording of a $102 million noncash pretax charge to the consolidated statement of income line item equity income—net.

        In the third quarter of 2002, our Company recorded a noncash pretax charge of approximately $33 million related to our share of impairment and restructuring charges taken by certain equity method investees in Latin America. This charge was recorded in the consolidated statement of income line item equity income—net.

        Our Company had direct and indirect ownership interests totaling approximately 18 percent in Cervejarias Kaiser S.A. ("Kaiser S.A."). In March 2002, Kaiser S.A. sold its investment in Cervejarias Kaiser Brazil, Ltda to Molson Inc. ("Molson") for cash of approximately $485 million and shares of Molson valued at approximately $150 million. Our Company's pretax share of the gain related to this sale was approximately $43 million, of which approximately $21 million was recorded in the consolidated statement of income line item equity income—net, and approximately $22 million was recorded in the consolidated statement of income line item other income (loss)—net.

        In the first quarter of 2002, our Company recorded a noncash pretax charge of approximately $157 million (recorded in the consolidated statement of income line item other income (loss)—net), primarily related to the write-down of certain investments in Latin America. This write-down reduced the carrying value of these investments in Latin America to fair value. The charge was primarily the result of the economic developments in Argentina during the first quarter of 2002, including the devaluation of the Argentine peso and the severity of the unfavorable economic outlook.

NOTE 17: STREAMLINING COSTS

        During 2003, the Company took steps to streamline and simplify its operations, primarily in North America and Germany. In North America, the Company integrated the operations of three formerly separate North American business units—Coca-Cola North America, The Minute Maid Company and Coca-Cola Fountain. In Germany, CCEAG took steps to improve its efficiency in sales, distribution and manufacturing, and our German

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Division office also implemented streamlining initiatives. Selected other operations also took steps to streamline their operations to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness. As disclosed in Note 1, under SFAS No. 146, a liability is accrued only when certain criteria are met. All of the Company's streamlining initiatives met the criteria of SFAS No. 146 as of December 31, 2003, and all related costs have been incurred as of December 31, 2003.

        Employees separated from the Company as a result of these streamlining initiatives were offered severance or early retirement packages, as appropriate, which included both financial and nonfinancial components. The expenses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2003 included costs associated with involuntary terminations and other direct costs associated with implementing these initiatives. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 3,700 associates had been separated pursuant to these streamlining initiatives. Other direct costs included the relocation of employees; contract termination costs; costs associated with the development, communication and administration of these initiatives; and asset write-offs. During 2003, the Company incurred total pretax expenses related to these streamlining initiatives of approximately $561 million, or $0.15 per share after-tax. These expenses were recorded in the line item other operating charges.

        The table below summarizes the costs incurred to date, the balances of accrued streamlining expenses and the movement in those balances as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 (in millions):

Cost Summary   Costs
Incurred in
2003
  Payments   Noncash
and
Exchange
  Accrued
Balance
December 31,
2003
  Payments   Noncash
and
Exchange
  Accrued
Balance
December 31,
2004

Severance pay and benefits   $  248   $  (113 ) $     3   $  138   $  (118 ) $    (2 ) $  18
Retirement related benefits   43     (14 ) 29     (29 )
Outside services—legal, outplacement, consulting   36   (25 )   11   (10 ) (1 )
Other direct costs   133   (81 ) (1 ) 51   (29 ) 1   23

Total1   $  460   $  (219 ) $  (12 ) $  229   $  (157 ) $  (31 ) $  41

Asset impairments   $  101                        

                       
Total costs incurred   $  561                        

                       
1 As of December 31, 2003 and 2004, $206 million and $41 million, respectively, was included in our consolidated balance sheet line item accounts payable and accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2003, approximately $23 million was included in our consolidated balance sheet line item other liabilities. As of December 31, 2004, this amount was reclassified to the pension and postretirement benefit accounts as such amounts will be paid out in accordance with the Company's defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans over a number of years.

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        The total streamlining initiative costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2003 by operating segment were as follows (in millions):


North America   $  273
Africa   12
Asia   18
Europe, Eurasia and Middle East   183
Latin America   8
Corporate   67

Total   $  561

NOTE 18: ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

        During 2004, our Company's acquisition and investment activity totaled approximately $267 million, primarily related to the purchase of trademarks, brands and related contractual rights in Latin America, none of which was individually significant.

        During 2003, our Company's acquisition and investment activity totaled approximately $359 million. These acquisitions included purchases of trademarks, brands and related contractual rights of approximately $142 million, none of which was individually significant. Refer to Note 4. Other acquisition and investing activity totaled approximately $217 million, and with the exception of the acquisition of Truesdale, none was individually significant. In March 2003, our Company acquired a 100 percent ownership interest in Truesdale from CCE for cash consideration of approximately $58 million. Truesdale owns a noncarbonated beverage production facility. The purchase price was allocated primarily to property, plant and equipment acquired. No amount was allocated to intangible assets. Truesdale is included in our North America operating segment.

        During 2002, our Company's acquisition and investment activity totaled approximately $1,144 million. Included in this $1,144 million, our Company paid $544 million in cash and recorded a note payable of approximately $600 million to finance the CCEAG acquisition described below.

        In November 2001, we entered into the Control and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement ("CPL") with CCEAG. Under the terms of the CPL, our Company acquired management control of CCEAG. In November 2001, we also entered into a Pooling Agreement with certain shareowners of CCEAG that provided our Company with voting control of CCEAG. Both agreements became effective in February 2002, when our Company acquired control of CCEAG for a term ending no later than December 31, 2006. CCEAG is included in our Europe, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment. As a result of acquiring control of CCEAG, our Company is working to help focus its sales and marketing programs and assist in developing the business. This transaction was accounted for as a business combination, and the results of CCEAG's operations have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since February 2002. Prior to February 2002, our Company accounted for CCEAG under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2002, our Company had approximately a 41 percent ownership interest in the outstanding shares of CCEAG. In return for control of CCEAG, pursuant to the CPL we guaranteed annual payments, in lieu of dividends by CCEAG, to all other CCEAG shareowners. These guaranteed annual payments equal 0.76 euro for each CCEAG share outstanding. Additionally, all other CCEAG shareowners entered into either a put or a put/call option agreement with the Company, exercisable at any time up to the December 31, 2006 expiration date. In 2003, one of the other shareowners exercised its put option which represented approximately 29 percent of the outstanding

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shares of CCEAG. All payments related to the exercise of the put options will be made in 2006. Our Company entered into either put or put/call agreements for shares representing approximately a 59 percent interest in CCEAG. The spread in the strike prices of the put and call options is approximately 3 percent.

        As of the date of the transaction, the Company concluded that the exercise of the put and/or call agreements was a virtual certainty based on the minimal differences in the strike prices. We concluded that either the holder of the put option would require the Company to purchase the shares at the agreed-upon put strike price, or the Company would exercise its call option and require the shareowner to tender its shares at the agreed-upon call strike price. If these puts or calls are exercised, the actual transfer of shares would not occur until the end of the term of the CPL. Coupled with the guaranteed payments in lieu of dividends for the term of the CPL, these instruments represented the financing vehicle for the transaction. As such, the Company determined that the economic substance of the transaction resulted in the acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of CCEAG and required the Company to account for the transaction as a business combination. Furthermore, the terms of the CPL transferred control and all of the economic risks and rewards of CCEAG to the Company immediately.

        The present value of the total amount likely to be paid by our Company to all other CCEAG shareowners, including the put or put/call payments and the guaranteed annual payments in lieu of dividends, was approximately $1,041 million at December 31, 2004. This amount increased from the initial liability of approximately $600 million due to the accretion of the discounted value to the ultimate maturity of the liability, as well as approximately $350 million of translation adjustment related to this liability. This liability is included in the line item other liabilities. The accretion of the discounted value to its ultimate maturity value is recorded in the line item other income (loss)—net, and this amount was approximately $58 million, $51 million and $38 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

        In July 2002, our Company and Danone Waters of North America, Inc. ("DWNA") formed a new limited liability company, CCDA Waters, L.L.C. ("CCDA"), for the production, marketing and distribution of DWNA's bottled spring and source water business in the United States. In forming CCDA, DWNA contributed assets of its retail bottled spring and source water business in the United States. These assets included five production facilities, a license for the use of the Dannon and Sparkletts brands, as well as ownership of several value brands. Our Company made a cash payment to acquire a controlling 51 percent equity interest in CCDA and is also providing marketing, distribution and management expertise. This transaction was accounted for as a business combination, and the consolidated results of CCDA's operations have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since July 2002. This business combination expanded our water brands to include a national offering in all sectors of the water category with purified, spring and source waters. CCDA is included in our North America operating segment.

        In January 2002, our Company and Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. ("CCBPI") finalized the purchase of RFM Corp.'s ("RFM") approximate 83 percent interest in Cosmos Bottling Corporation ("CBC"), a publicly traded Philippine beverage company. CBC is an established carbonated soft-drink business in the Philippines and is included in our Asia operating segment. The original sale and purchase agreement with RFM was entered into in November 2001. As of the date of this sale and purchase agreement, the Company began supplying concentrate for this operation. The purchase of RFM's interest was finalized on January 3, 2002. In March 2002, a tender offer was completed with our Company and CCBPI acquiring all shares of the remaining minority shareowners except for shares representing a 1 percent interest in CBC. This transaction was accounted for as a business combination, and the results of CBC's operations were included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from January 2002 to March 2003.

111



        The Company and CCBPI agreed to restructure the ownership of the operations of CBC, and this transaction was completed in April 2003. This transaction resulted in the Company acquiring all the trademarks of CBC, and CCBPI owning approximately 99 percent of the outstanding shares of CBC. Accordingly, CBC was deconsolidated by the Company. No gain or loss was recorded by our Company upon completion of the transaction, as the fair value of the assets exchanged was approximately equal. Additionally, there was no impact on our cash flows related to this transaction.

        Our Company acquired controlling interests in CCDA and CBC for a total combined consideration of approximately $328 million. As of December 31, 2003, the Company allocated approximately $56 million of the purchase price for these acquisitions to goodwill and $208 million to other indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily trademarks, brands and licenses. This goodwill is all related to the CCDA acquisition and is allocated to our North America operating segment.

        The combined 2002 net operating revenues of CCEAG, CBC and CCDA were approximately $1.3 billion.

        The acquisitions and investments have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Their results have been included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Assuming the results of these businesses had been included in operations commencing with 2002, pro forma financial data would not be required due to immateriality.

NOTE 19: OPERATING SEGMENTS

        Our Company's operating structure includes the following operating segments: North America; Africa; Asia; Europe, Eurasia and Middle East; Latin America; and Corporate. North America includes the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation.

        The business of our Company is nonalcoholic beverages. Our operating segments derive a majority of their revenues from the manufacture and sale of beverage concentrates and syrups and, in some cases, the sale of finished beverages. The following table summarizes the contribution to net operating revenues from Company operations (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,   2004   2003   2002

Company operations, excluding bottling operations   $  18,871   $  18,177   $  17,123
Company-owned bottling operations   3,091   2,867   2,441

Consolidated net operating revenues   $  21,962   $  21,044   $  19,564

        Management evaluates the performance of our operating segments separately to individually monitor the different factors affecting financial performance. Segment profit or loss includes substantially all the segment's costs of production, distribution and administration. Our Company typically manages and evaluates equity investments and related income on a segment level. However, we manage certain significant investments, such as our equity interests in CCE, within the Corporate operating segment. Our Company manages income taxes on a global basis. We manage financial costs, such as interest income and expense, on a global basis within the Corporate operating segment. Thus, we evaluate segment performance based on profit or loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change.

112


        Information about our Company's operations by operating segment is as follows (in millions):

    North
America
  Africa   Asia   Europe,
Eurasia and
Middle East
  Latin
America
  Corporate   Consolidated

2004                            
Net operating revenues   $  6,643   $  1,067   $  4,691 1 $  7,195   $  2,123   $       243   $  21,962
Operating income (loss)2   1,606   340   1,758   1,898   1,069   (973 )3 5,698
Interest income                       157   157
Interest expense                       196   196
Depreciation and amortization   345   28   133   245   42   100   893
Equity income (loss)—net   11   12   83   85   185   4 245   621
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change2   1,629   337   1,841   1,916   1,270   4 (771 )3,5 6,222
Identifiable operating assets   4,731   789   1,722   5,373   6 1,405   11,055   7 25,075
Investments8   116   162   1,401   1,323   1,580   1,670   6,252
Capital expenditures   247   28   92   233   38   117   755

2003                            
Net operating revenues   $  6,344   $     827   $  5,052 1 $  6,556   $  2,042   $       223   $  21,044
Operating income (loss)9   1,282   249   1,690   1,908   970   (878 )10 5,221
Interest income                       176   176
Interest expense                       178   178
Depreciation and amortization   305   27   124   230   52   112   850
Equity income (loss)—net   13   13   65   78   (5 )11 242   406
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change9   1,326   249   1,740   1,921   975   11 (716 )10 5,495
Identifiable operating assets   4,953   721   1,923   5,222   6 1,440   7,545   7 21,804
Investments8   109   156   1,345   1,229   1,348   1,351   5,538
Capital expenditures   309   13   148   198   35   109   812

2002                            
Net operating revenues   $  6,264   $     684   $  5,054 1 $  5,262   $  2,089   $       211   $  19,564
Operating income (loss)   1,531   224   1,820   1,612   1,033   (762 ) 5,458
Interest income                       209   209
Interest expense                       199   199
Depreciation and amortization   266   37   133   193   57   120   806
Equity income (loss)—net   15   (25 ) 60   (18 ) 131   221   384
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change   1,552   187   1,848   1,540   1,081   (709 ) 5,499
Identifiable operating assets   4,999   565   2,370   4,481   6 1,205   5,795   7 19,415
Investments8   142   115   1,150   1,211   1,352   1,021   4,991
Capital expenditures   334   18   209   162   37   91   851

Intercompany transfers between operating segments are not material.

Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.

1 Net operating revenues in Japan represented approximately 61 percent of total Asia operating segment net operating revenues in 2004, 67 percent in 2003 and 69 percent in 2002.
2 Operating income (loss) and income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change were reduced by approximately $18 million for North America, $15 million for Asia, $377 million for Europe, Eurasia and Middle East, $6 million for Latin America and $64 million for Corporate as a result of other operating charges recorded for asset impairments. Refer to Note 16.
3 Operating income (loss) and income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change for Corporate were impacted as a result of the Company's receipt of a $75 million insurance settlement related to the class-action lawsuit settled in 2000. The Company subsequently donated $75 million to the Coca-Cola Foundation.
4 Equity income (loss)—net and income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change for Latin America were increased by approximately $37 million as a result of a favorable tax settlement related to Coca-Cola FEMSA, one of our equity method investees. Refer to Note 2.
5 Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change was increased by approximately $24 million for Corporate due to noncash pre-tax gains that were recognized on the issuances of stock by CCE, one of our equity investees. Refer to Note 3.
6 Identifiable operating assets in Germany represent approximately 46 percent of total Europe, Eurasia and Middle East identifiable operating assets in 2004 and 50 percent in 2003 and 2002.
7 Principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, finance subsidiary receivables, goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.
8 Principally equity investments in bottling companies.
9 Operating income (loss) and income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change were reduced by approximately $273 million for North America, $12 million for Africa, $18 million for Asia, $183 million for Europe, Eurasia and Middle East, $8 million for Latin America and $67 million for Corporate as a result of streamlining charges. Refer to Note 17.
10 Operating income (loss) and income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change were increased by approximately $52 million for Corporate as a result of the Company's receipt of a settlement related to a vitamin antitrust litigation matter. Refer to Note 16.
11 Equity income (loss)—net and income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change for Latin America were reduced by $102 million primarily for a charge related to one of our equity method investees. Refer to Note 2.

113


Compound Growth Rate
Ended December 31, 2004
  North
America
  Africa   Asia   Europe,
Eurasia and
Middle East
  Latin
America
  Corporate   Consolidated  

 
Net operating revenues                              
  5 years   4.2 % 9.3 % 0.5 % 11.8 % 3.2 % 8.0 % 5.5 %
  10 years   5.0 % 6.5 % 4.1 % 4.1 % 1.0 % 19.2 % 4.2 %

 
Operating income                              
  5 years   2.1 % 9.3 % 8.0 % 15.9 % 5.2 % *   7.4 %
  10 years   5.7 % 5.1 % 4.2 % 4.3 % 3.4 % *   4.6 %

 

*  Calculation is not meaningful.

114


REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries

        Management of the Company is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and, accordingly, include certain amounts based on our best judgments and estimates. Financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that in the financial statements.

        Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"). The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our internal control over financial reporting is supported by a program of internal audits and appropriate reviews by management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection and training of qualified personnel and a written Code of Business Conduct adopted by our Company's Board of Directors, applicable to all Company Directors and all officers and employees of our Company and subsidiaries.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        The Audit Committee of our Company's Board of Directors, composed solely of Directors who are independent in accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards, the Exchange Act and the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, meets with the independent auditors, management and internal auditors periodically to discuss internal control over financial reporting and auditing and financial reporting matters. The Committee reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort. The Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor without management present to ensure that the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor have free access to the Committee. Our Audit Committee's Report can be found in the Company's 2005 proxy statement.

        Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004.

        The Company's independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, a registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, subject to ratification by our Company's shareowners. Ernst & Young LLP have audited and reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries, management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The reports of the independent auditors are contained in this Annual Report.

SIGNATURE   SIGNATURE
E. Neville Isdell   Connie D. McDaniel
Chairman, Board of Directors,
and Chief Executive Officer
  Vice President
and Controller

February 25, 2005

 

February 25, 2005

SIGNATURE

 

 
Gary P. Fayard
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
   

February 25, 2005

 

 

115


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareowners
The Coca-Cola Company

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareowners' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

        As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2004 the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) regarding the consolidation of variable interest entities. As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2002 the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

    GRAPHIC

Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2005

116


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Board of Directors and Shareowners
The Coca-Cola Company

        We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Coca-Cola Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, management's assessment that The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareowners' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, and our report dated February 25, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

    GRAPHIC

Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2005

117


Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Year Ended December 31,     First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
    Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
    Full Year

(In millions, except per share data)                              
2004                              
Net operating revenues   $ 5,078   $ 5,965   $ 5,662   $ 5,257   $ 21,962
Gross profit     3,325     3,935     3,610     3,454     14,324
Net income     1,127     1,584     935     1,201     4,847

Basic net income per share:   $ 0.46   $ 0.65   $ 0.39   $ 0.50   $ 2.00

Diluted net income per share:   $ 0.46   $ 0.65   $ 0.39   $ 0.50   $ 2.00

2003                              
Net operating revenues   $ 4,502   $ 5,695   $ 5,671   $ 5,176   $ 21,044
Gross profit     2,885     3,568     3,503     3,326     13,282
Net income     835     1,362     1,223     927     4,347

Basic net income per share:   $ 0.34   $ 0.55   $ 0.50   $ 0.38   $ 1.77

Diluted net income per share:   $ 0.34   $ 0.55   $ 0.50   $ 0.38   $ 1.77

        In the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the first quarter of 2003, the results were impacted by four additional shipping days. The increase in shipping days in the first quarter were largely offset in the fourth quarter of 2004.

        In the second quarter of 2004, our Company's equity income benefited by approximately $37 million for our proportionate share of a favorable tax settlement related to Coca-Cola FEMSA. Refer to Note 2.

        In the second quarter of 2004, our Company recorded impairment charges totaling approximately $88 million primarily related to write-downs of certain manufacturing investments and an intangible asset. Refer to Note 16.

        In the second quarter of 2004, our Company recorded approximately $49 million of noncash pretax gains on issuances of stock by CCE. Refer to Note 3.

        In the second quarter of 2004, our Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $41 million related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes resulting from a favorable agreement with authorities. Refer to Note 15.

        In the third quarter of 2004, our Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $39 million related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes resulting from favorable resolution of tax matters. Refer to Note 15.

        In the third quarter of 2004, our Company recorded an income tax expense of approximately $75 million related to the recognition of a valuation allowance on certain deferred taxes of CCEAG. Refer to Note 15.

        In the third quarter of 2004, our Company recorded impairment charges totaling approximately $392 million primarily related to franchise rights at CCEAG. Refer to Note 16.

        In the fourth quarter of 2004, our Company received a $75 million insurance settlement related to the class-action lawsuit that was settled in 2000. Also in the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company donated $75 million to the Coca-Cola Foundation. Refer to Note 16.

        In the fourth quarter of 2004, our Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $48 million related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes resulting from favorable resolution of tax matters. Refer to Note 15.

        In the fourth quarter of 2004, our Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $50 million related to the realization of certain foreign tax credits per provisions of the Jobs Creation Act. Refer to Note 15.

        In the fourth quarter of 2004, our Company recorded approximately $25 million of noncash pretax losses to adjust the amount of the gain recognized in the second quarter of 2004 on issuances of stock by CCE. Refer to Note 3.

        Certain amounts previously reported in our 2003 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q were reclassified to conform to our year-end 2003 presentation.

        In the first quarter of 2003, the Company reached a settlement with certain defendants in a vitamin antitrust litigation matter. The Company received a settlement relating to this litigation of approximately $52 million on a pretax basis. Refer to Note 16.

        In 2003, the Company took steps to streamline and simplify its operations, primarily in North America and Germany. Selected other operations also took steps to streamline their operations to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness. The pretax expense of these streamlining initiatives for the three months ended March 31, 2003, June 30, 2003, September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003 was $159 million, $70 million, $43 million and $289 million, respectively. Refer to Note 17.

        Effective May 6, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA consummated a merger with another of the Company's equity method investees, Panamerican Beverages, Inc. During the third quarter of 2003, our Company recorded a pretax noncash charge to equity income—net of $95 million primarily related to Coca-Cola FEMSA streamlining initiatives and impairment of certain intangible assets. During the fourth quarter of 2003, our Company recorded a pretax noncash charge of $7 million related solely to the streamlining and integration of these operations. Refer to Note 2.

        In the fourth quarter of 2003, we favorably resolved various tax matters (approximately $50 million), partially offset by additional taxes primarily related to the repatriation of funds.

118



GLOSSARY

        As used in this report, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

Bottling Partner or Bottler:  businesses that buy concentrates (sometimes referred to as beverage bases) or syrups from the Company, convert them into finished packaged products and sell them to customers.

Carbonated Soft Drink:  nonalcoholic carbonated beverage (sometimes referred to as soft drinks) containing flavorings and sweeteners. Excludes, among others, waters and flavored waters, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks, and teas and coffees.

The Coca-Cola System:  the Company and its bottling partners.

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages:  cola-flavored Company Trademark Beverages.

Company:  The Coca-Cola Company together with its subsidiaries.

Company Trademark Beverages:  beverages bearing our trademarks and certain other beverage products licensed to our Company or owned by our bottling partners and distributors, for which our Company provides marketing support and derives profits from the sales.

Concentrate:  material manufactured from Company-defined ingredients and sold to bottlers to prepare finished beverages through the addition of water and, depending on the product, sweeteners and/or carbonated water marketed under trademarks of the Company.

Consumer:  person who drinks Company products.

Cost of Capital:  after-tax blended cost of equity and borrowed funds used to invest in operating capital required for business.

Customer:  retail outlet, restaurant or other operation that sells or serves Company products directly to consumers.

Derivatives:  contracts or agreements, the value of which may change based on changes in interest rates, exchange rates, prices of securities, or financial or commodity indices. The Company uses derivatives to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest and exchange rates and other market risks.

Fountain:  system used by retail outlets to dispense product into cups or glasses for immediate consumption.

Gallons:  unit of measurement for concentrates, syrups, beverage bases, finished beverages and powders (in all cases, expressed in equivalent gallons of syrup) for all beverage products which are reportable as unit case volume.

Gross Profit Margin:  gross profit divided by net operating revenues.

Market:  when used in reference to geographic areas, territory in which the Company and its bottling partners do business, often defined by national boundaries.

Net Capital:  shareowners' equity added to net debt.

Net Debt:  total debt less the sum of cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities.

Noncarbonated Beverages:  nonalcoholic beverages without carbonation including, but not limited to, waters and flavored waters, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks, and teas and coffees.

Operating Margin:  operating income divided by net operating revenues.

Per Capita Consumption:  average number of servings consumed per person, per year in a specific market. Per capita consumption of Company beverage products is calculated by multiplying our unit case volume by 24, and dividing by the population.

119


Return on Average Total Capital:  net income before cumulative effect of accounting change (adding back interest expense, net of related taxes) divided by average total capital.

Return on Average Shareowners' Equity:  net income before cumulative effect of accounting change divided by average shareowners' equity.

Serving:  eight U.S. fluid ounces of a finished beverage.

Syrup:  concentrate mixed with sweetener and water, sold to bottlers and customers who add carbonated water to produce finished carbonated soft drinks.

Total Capital:  shareowners' equity plus total debt.

Total Debt:  loans and notes payable, current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt.

Total Market Value of Common Stock:  stock price as of a date multiplied by the number of shares outstanding as of the same date.

Unit Case:  unit of measurement equal to 192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage (24 eight-ounce servings).

Unit Case Volume, or Volume:  the number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of Company trademark or licensed beverage products directly or indirectly sold by the Coca-Cola system to customers. Volume primarily consists of beverage products bearing Company trademarks. Also included in volume are certain beverage products licensed to our Company or owned by our bottling partners and distributors, for which our Company provides marketing support and derives income from the sales. Such beverage products licensed to our Company or owned by our bottling partners account for a minimal portion of total unit case volume. Unit case volume is derived based on estimates received by the Company from its bottling partners and distributors.

120



ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        Not applicable.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely making known to them material information relating to the Company and the Company's consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

        The report called for by Item 308(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

        The attestation report called for by Item 308(b) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

        There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

        Not applicable.

121



PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The information under the headings "Board of Directors," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance—The Audit Committee" and "Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance—The Board and Board Committees" in the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. See Item X in Part I of this report for information regarding executive officers of the Company.

        The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to the Company's Directors, officers (including the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller) and employees, known as the Code of Business Conduct. The Code of Business Conduct is available on the Company's website. In the event that we amend or waive any of the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer or controller, we intend to disclose the same on the Company's website at www.coca-cola.com.

        On May 13, 2004, we filed with the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") the Annual CEO Certification regarding the Company's compliance with the NYSE's Corporate Governance listing standards as required by Section 303A-12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. In addition, the Company has filed as exhibits to this annual report and to the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, the applicable certifications of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, regarding the quality of the Company's public disclosures.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information under the headings "Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance—Director Compensation," and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and under the principal heading "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" in the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        The information under the headings "Equity Compensation Plan Information," "Ownership of Equity Securities in the Company," "Principal Shareowners" and "Ownership of Securities in Investee Companies" in the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information under the headings "Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance," "Certain Transactions and Relationships" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," and the information under the principal heading "CERTAIN INVESTEE COMPANIES," in the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        The information under the heading "Audit Fees and All Other Fees" in the Company's 2005 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

122



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


Exhibit No.
   
2.1   Control and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, dated November 21, 2001, between Coca-Cola GmbH and Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetraenke AG—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2002. (With regard to applicable cross references in this report, the Company's Current, Quarterly and Annual Reports are filed with the SEC under File No. 1-2217.)
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, including Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, effective May 1, 1996—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
3.2   By-Laws of the Company, as amended and restated through February 19, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31,  2003.
4.1   The Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC.
10.1.1   The Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1995.*
10.1.2   Third Amendment to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of July 9, 1998—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
     

123


10.1.3   Fourth Amendment to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of February 16, 1999—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.1.4   Fifth Amendment to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of January 25, 2000—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.4 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.1.5   Amendment Number Six to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of February 27, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.1.6   Amendment Number Seven to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated July 28, 2004, effective as of June 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.*
10.2   Supplemental Disability Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.3   The Performance Incentive Plan of the Company, as amended and restated December 17, 2003, effective as of January 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.4   1991 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended and restated through April 20, 1999—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.*
10.5   1999 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended and restated through February 20, 2002—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.*
10.6   2002 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended and restated December 17, 2003, effective as of December 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.6.1   Form of Stock Option Agreement in connection with the 2002 Stock Option Plan, as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on December 8, 2004.*
10.6.2   Form of Stock Option Agreement for E. Neville Isdell in connection with the 2002 Stock Option Plan, as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed February 23, 2005.*
10.7   1983 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended through February 17, 2000—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.8.1   1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended and restated December 17, 2003, effective as of December 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.8.2   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Performance Share Unit Agreement) in connection with the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.8.3   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Performance Share Unit Agreement) for E. Neville Isdell in connection with the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on February 23, 2005.*
     

124


10.9.1   Compensation Deferral & Investment Program of the Company, as amended, including Amendment Number Four dated November 28, 1995—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1995.*
10.9.2   Amendment Number Five to the Compensation Deferral & Investment Program of the Company, effective as of January 1, 1998—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1997.*
10.9.3   Amendment Number Six to the Compensation Deferral & Investment Program of the Company, dated as of January 12, 2004, effective January 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.10.1   Executive Medical Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2001—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.10.2   Amendment Number One to the Executive Medical Plan of the Company, dated April 15, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.*
10.10.3   Amendment Number Two to the Executive Medical Plan of the Company, dated August 27, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.*
10.10.4   Amendment Number Three to the Executive Medical Plan of the Company, dated December 29, 2004, effective January 1, 2005.*
10.11.1   Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2002—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.11.2   Amendment One to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated as of February 27, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.11.3   Amendment Two to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated as of November 14, 2003, effective October 21, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.11.4   Amendment Three to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated April 14, 2004, effective as of January 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.*
10.11.5   Amendment Four to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated December 15, 2004, effective January 1, 2005.*
10.12   Retirement Plan for the Board of Directors of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1991.*
10.13   Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors of the Company, as amended and restated through October 16, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.14   Executive and Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan of the Company, effective as of January 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.15   Letter Agreement, dated March 4, 2003, between the Company and Stephen C. Jones—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
     

125


10.16.1   Letter Agreement, dated December 6, 1999, between the Company and M. Douglas Ivester—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.16.2   Letter Agreement, dated December 15, 1999, between the Registrant and M. Douglas Ivester—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.16.3   Letter Agreement, dated February 17, 2000, between the Registrant and M. Douglas Ivester—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.17   Group Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective February 17, 2000—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.18   Executive Incentive Plan of the Company, adopted as of February 14, 2001—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31,  2000.*
10.19   Form of United States Master Bottle Contract, as amended, between the Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. ("Coca-Cola Enterprises") or its subsidiaries—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Coca-Cola Enterprises' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1988 (File No. 01-09300).
10.20.1   Employment Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2001, between the Company and Deval L. Patrick—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.20.2   Letter, dated January 4, 2002, from the Company to Deval L. Patrick—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.21.1   Employment Agreement, dated March 2, 2001, between the Company and Steven J. Heyer—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.21.2   Letter, dated January 4, 2002, from the Company to Steven J. Heyer—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.22   Letter Agreement, dated September 17, 2001, between the Company and Brian G. Dyson—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.23   Letter, dated October 17, 2001, from the Company to James E. Chestnut—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.24.1   Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company, as amended and restated as of December 17, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.24.2   Deferred Compensation Plan Delegation of Authority from the Compensation Committee to the Management Committee, adopted as of December 17, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.25   Letter Agreement, dated October 24, 2002, between the Company and Carl Ware—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
     

126


10.26   The Coca-Cola Export Corporation Employee Share Plan, effective as of March 13, 2002—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.27   Employees' Savings and Share Ownership Plan of Coca-Cola Ltd., effective as of January 1, 1990—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.28   Share Purchase Plan—Denmark, effective as of 1991—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.29   Letter Agreement, dated June 19, 2003, between the Company and Daniel Palumbo—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.*
10.30   Consulting Agreement, dated January 22, 2004, effective as of August 1, 2003, between the Company and Chatham International Corporation, regarding consulting services to be provided by Brian G. Dyson—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.31   The Coca-Cola Company Benefits Plan for Members of the Board of Directors, as amended and restated through April 14, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.*
10.32   Letter Agreement, dated March 2, 2004, between the Company and Jeffrey T. Dunn—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.*
10.33   Full and Complete Release, dated June 8, 2004, between the Company and Steven J. Heyer—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.34   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002, between the Company and Alexander R.C. Allan—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.35   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002, between The Coca-Cola Export Corporation and Alexander R.C. Allan—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.36   Letter, dated September 16, 2004, from the Company to E. Neville Isdell—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on September 17, 2004.*
10.37   Stock Award Agreement for E. Neville Isdell, dated September 14, 2004, under the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on September 17, 2004.*
10.38   Stock Option Agreement for E. Neville Isdell, dated July 22, 2004, under the 2002 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.*
10.39   Letter, dated August 6, 2004, from the Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company to Douglas N. Daft—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.*
10.40   Undertaking from The Coca-Cola Company and certain of its bottlers, dated October 19, 2004, relating to various commercial practices that have been under investigation by the European Commission—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on October 19, 2004.
10.41   Letter Agreement, dated October 7, 2004, between the Company and Daniel Palumbo.*
     

127


10.42   Letter, dated February 12, 2005, from the Company to Mary E. Minnick—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on February 23, 2005.*
10.43   Employment Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2003, between the Company and José Octavio Reyes.*
10.44   Employment Agreement, dated as of November 25, 1986, between Servicios Integrados de Administracion y Alta Gerencia S.A. de C.V. and José Octavio Reyes.*
10.45   Employment Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2002, between the Company and Alexander B. Cummings, Jr.*
10.46   Employment Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2002, between The Coca-Cola Export Corporation and Alexander B. Cummings, Jr.*
12.1   Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
21.1   List of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2004.
23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1   Powers of Attorney of Officers and Directors signing this report.
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, executed by E. Neville Isdell, Chairman, Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, executed by Gary P. Fayard, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.
32.1   Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350), executed by E. Neville Isdell, Chairman, Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company and by Gary P. Fayard, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.

*
Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(c) of this report.

128



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
        (Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  
E. NEVILLE ISDELL      
     
E. NEVILLE ISDELL
Chairman, Board of Directors, Chief
Executive Officer

 

 

 

Date: March 4, 2005

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


 

 

 
/s/  E. NEVILLE ISDELL         *

 
E. NEVILLE ISDELL   RONALD W. ALLEN
Chairman, Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

/s/  
GARY P. FAYARD      

 

*

 
GARY P. FAYARD   CATHLEEN P. BLACK
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

/s/  
CONNIE D. MCDANIEL      

 

*

 
CONNIE D. MCDANIEL   WARREN E. BUFFETT
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

*

 

*

 
HERBERT A. ALLEN   BARRY DILLER
Director   Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005
     

129



*

 

*

 
DONALD R. KEOUGH   SAM NUNN
Director   Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

*

 

*

 
MARIA ELENA LAGOMASINO   J. PEDRO REINHARD
Director   Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

*

 

*

 
DONALD F. MCHENRY   JAMES D. ROBINSON III
Director   Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

*

 

*

 
ROBERT L. NARDELLI   PETER V. UEBERROTH
Director   Director

March 4, 2005

 

March 4, 2005

 

 

*
   
    JAMES B. WILLIAMS
Director
March 4, 2005

       

       

       


 

 

 

 
By: /s/  CAROL CROFOOT HAYES          
 
CAROL CROFOOT HAYES
Attorney-in-fact
March 4, 2005
   

130



SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries
Year Ended December 31, 2004
(in millions)

       

COL. A
  COL. B
  COL. C
  COL. D
  COL. E
        Additions
       
Description   Balance at
Beginning of
Period
  (1)
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
  (2)
Charged
to Other
Accounts
  Deductions
(Note 1)
  Balance at End
of Period

RESERVES DEDUCTED IN THE BALANCE SHEET FROM THE ASSETS TO WHICH THEY APPLY                    
  Allowance for losses on:                    
    Trade accounts receivable   $    61   $    28   $    4   $    24   $       69
    Miscellaneous investments and other assets   55   21   17   14   79
    Deferred tax assets   630   291     67   854

    $  746   $  340   $  21   $  105   $  1,002

Note 1—The amounts shown in Column D consist of the following:

    Trade
Accounts
Receivable
  Miscellaneous
Investments
and Other Assets
  Deferred
Tax
Assets
    Total

Charge off of uncollectible accounts   $  19   $    6   $  —   $     25
Write-off of impaired assets     4   40     44
Other transactions and change in assessments about the realization of deferred tax assets   5   4   27     36

    $  24   $  14   $  67   $   105

S-1



SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries
Year Ended December 31, 2003
(in millions)

       

COL. A
  COL. B
  COL. C
  COL. D
  COL. E
        Additions
       
Description   Balance at
Beginning of
Period
  (1)
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
  (2)
Charged
to Other
Accounts
  Deductions
(Note 1)
  Balance at End
of Period

RESERVES DEDUCTED IN THE BALANCE SHEET FROM THE ASSETS TO WHICH THEY APPLY                    
  Allowance for losses on:                    
    Trade accounts receivable   $    55   $    28   $    —   $    22   $    61
    Miscellaneous investments and other assets   203   7     155   55
    Deferred tax assets   738   69     177   630

    $  996   $  104   $    —   $  354   $  746

Note 1—The amounts shown in Column D consist of the following:

    Trade
Accounts
Receivable
  Miscellaneous
Investments
and Other Assets
  Deferred
Tax
Assets
  Total

Charge off of uncollectible accounts   $  22   $    13   $    —   $    35
Write-off of impaired assets     129   54   183
Other transactions and change in assessments about the realization of deferred tax assets     13   123   136

    $  22   $  155   $  177   $  354

S-2



SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries
Year Ended December 31, 2002
(in millions)

      

COL. A
  COL. B
  COL. C
  COL. D
  COL. E
        Additions
       
Description   Balance at
Beginning of
Period
  (1)
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
  (2)
Charged
to Other
Accounts
  Deductions
(Note 1)
  Balance at End
of Period

RESERVES DEDUCTED IN THE BALANCE SHEET FROM THE ASSETS TO WHICH THEY APPLY                    
  Allowance for losses on:                    
    Trade accounts receivable   $    59   $    19   $      8   $    31   $    55
    Miscellaneous investments and other assets   230   27     54   203
    Deferred tax assets   563   111   99   35   738

    $  852   $  157   $  107   $  120   $  996

Note 1—The amounts shown in Column D consist of the following:

    Trade
Accounts
Receivable
  Miscellaneous
Investments
and Other Assets
  Deferred
Tax
Assets
  Total

Charge off of uncollectible accounts   $  23   $    6   $  —   $    29
Write-off of impaired assets     35     35
Other transactions   8   13   35   56

    $  31   $  54   $  35   $  120

S-3



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
   
2.1   Control and Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement, dated November 21, 2001, between Coca-Cola GmbH and Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetraenke AG—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2002. (With regard to applicable cross references in this report, the Company's Current, Quarterly and Annual Reports are filed with the SEC under File No. 1-2217.)
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, including Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, effective May 1, 1996—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
3.2   By-Laws of the Company, as amended and restated through February 19, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31,  2003.
4.1   The Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC.
10.1.1   The Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1995.*
10.1.2   Third Amendment to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of July 9, 1998—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.1.3   Fourth Amendment to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of February 16, 1999—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.1.4   Fifth Amendment to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of January 25, 2000—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.4 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.1.5   Amendment Number Six to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated as of February 27, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.1.6   Amendment Number Seven to the Key Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, dated July 28, 2004, effective as of June 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.*
10.2   Supplemental Disability Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.3   The Performance Incentive Plan of the Company, as amended and restated December 17, 2003, effective as of January 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.4   1991 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended and restated through April 20, 1999—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.*
10.5   1999 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended and restated through February 20, 2002—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.*
10.6   2002 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended and restated December 17, 2003, effective as of December 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
     

10.6.1   Form of Stock Option Agreement in connection with the 2002 Stock Option Plan, as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on December 8, 2004.*
10.6.2   Form of Stock Option Agreement for E. Neville Isdell in connection with the 2002 Stock Option Plan, as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed February 23, 2005.*
10.7   1983 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended through February 17, 2000—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.8.1   1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended and restated December 17, 2003, effective as of December 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.8.2   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Performance Share Unit Agreement) in connection with the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.8.3.   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Performance Share Unit Agreement) for E. Neville Isdell in connection with the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on February 23, 2005.*
10.9.1   Compensation Deferral & Investment Program of the Company, as amended, including Amendment Number Four dated November 28, 1995—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1995.*
10.9.2   Amendment Number Five to the Compensation Deferral & Investment Program of the Company, effective as of January 1, 1998—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1997.*
10.9.3   Amendment Number Six to the Compensation Deferral & Investment Program of the Company, dated as of January 12, 2004, effective January 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.10.1   Executive Medical Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2001—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.10.2   Amendment Number One to the Executive Medical Plan of the Company, dated April 15, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.*
10.10.3   Amendment Number Two to the Executive Medical Plan of the Company, dated August 27, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.*
10.10.4   Amendment Number Three to the Executive Medical Plan of the Company, dated December 29, 2004, effective January 1, 2005.*
10.11.1   Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2002—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.11.2   Amendment One to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated as of February 27, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.11.3   Amendment Two to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated as of November 14, 2003, effective October 21, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
     

10.11.4   Amendment Three to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated April 14, 2004, effective as of January 1, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.*
10.11.5   Amendment Four to the Supplemental Benefit Plan of the Company, dated December 15, 2004, effective January 1, 2005.*
10.12   Retirement Plan for the Board of Directors of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1991.*
10.13   Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors of the Company, as amended and restated through October 16, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.14   Executive and Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan of the Company, effective as of January 1, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.15   Letter Agreement, dated March 4, 2003, between the Company and Stephen C. Jones—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.*
10.16.1   Letter Agreement, dated December 6, 1999, between the Company and M. Douglas Ivester—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.16.2   Letter Agreement, dated December 15, 1999, between the Registrant and M. Douglas Ivester—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.16.3   Letter Agreement, dated February 17, 2000, between the Registrant and M. Douglas Ivester—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.3 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.17   Group Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective February 17, 2000—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999.*
10.18   Executive Incentive Plan of the Company, adopted as of February 14, 2001—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31,  2000.*
10.19   Form of United States Master Bottle Contract, as amended, between the Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. ("Coca-Cola Enterprises") or its subsidiaries—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Coca-Cola Enterprises' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1988 (File No. 01-09300).
10.20.1   Employment Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2001, between the Company and Deval L. Patrick—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.20.2   Letter, dated January 4, 2002, from the Company to Deval L. Patrick—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.21.1   Employment Agreement, dated March 2, 2001, between the Company and Steven J. Heyer—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.21.2   Letter, dated January 4, 2002, from the Company to Steven J. Heyer—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
     

10.22   Letter Agreement, dated September 17, 2001, between the Company and Brian G. Dyson—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.23   Letter, dated October 17, 2001, from the Company to James E. Chestnut—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001.*
10.24.1   Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company, as amended and restated as of December 17, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26.1 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.24.2   Deferred Compensation Plan Delegation of Authority from the Compensation Committee to the Management Committee, adopted as of December 17, 2003—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26.2 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.25   Letter Agreement, dated October 24, 2002, between the Company and Carl Ware—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.26   The Coca-Cola Export Corporation Employee Share Plan, effective as of March 13, 2002—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.27   Employees' Savings and Share Ownership Plan of Coca-Cola Ltd., effective as of January 1, 1990—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.28   Share Purchase Plan—Denmark, effective as of 1991—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002.*
10.29   Letter Agreement, dated June 19, 2003, between the Company and Daniel Palumbo—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.*
10.30   Consulting Agreement, dated January 22, 2004, effective as of August 1, 2003, between the Company and Chatham International Corporation, regarding consulting services to be provided by Brian G. Dyson—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.*
10.31   The Coca-Cola Company Benefits Plan for Members of the Board of Directors, as amended and restated through April 14, 2004—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.*
10.32   Letter Agreement, dated March 2, 2004, between the Company and Jeffrey T. Dunn—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.*
10.33   Full and Complete Release, dated June 8, 2004, between the Company and Steven J. Heyer—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.34   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002, between the Company and Alexander R.C. Allan—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.35   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002, between The Coca-Cola Export Corporation and Alexander R.C. Allan—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.*
10.36   Letter, dated September 16, 2004, from the Company to E. Neville Isdell—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on September 17, 2004.*
     

10.37   Stock Award Agreement for E. Neville Isdell, dated September 14, 2004, under the 1989 Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on September 17, 2004.*
10.38   Stock Option Agreement for E. Neville Isdell, dated July 22, 2004, under the 2002 Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.*
10.39   Letter, dated August 6, 2004, from the Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company to Douglas N. Daft—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.*
10.40   Undertaking from The Coca-Cola Company and certain of its bottlers, dated October 19, 2004, relating to various commercial practices that have been under investigation by the European Commission—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on October 19, 2004.
10.41   Letter Agreement, dated October 7, 2004, between the Company and Daniel Palumbo.*
10.42   Letter, dated February 12, 2005, from the Company to Mary E. Minnick—incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's Form 8-K Current Report filed on February 23, 2005.*
10.43   Employment Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2003, between the Company and José Octavio Reyes.*
10.44   Employment Agreement, dated as of November 25, 1986, between Servicios Integrados de Administracion y Alta Gerencia S.A. de C.V. and José Octavio Reyes.*
10.45   Employment Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2002, between the Company and Alexander B. Cummings, Jr.*
10.46   Employment Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2002, between The Coca-Cola Export Corporation and Alexander B. Cummings, Jr.*
12.1   Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
21.1   List of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2004.
23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1   Powers of Attorney of Officers and Directors signing this report.
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, executed by E. Neville Isdell, Chairman, Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification, executed by Gary P. Fayard, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.
32.1   Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350), executed by E. Neville Isdell, Chairman, Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company and by Gary P. Fayard, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.

*
Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(c) of this report.

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Table of Contents
PART I
PART II
GLOSSARY
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries Year Ended December 31, 2004 (in millions)
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries Year Ended December 31, 2003 (in millions)
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS The Coca-Cola Company and Subsidiaries Year Ended December 31, 2002 (in millions)
EXHIBIT INDEX