Form: 8-K

Current report

June 26, 2025

Exhibit 99.1
Part I
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
In this report, the terms “The Coca-Cola Company,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean The Coca-Cola Company and all entities included in our consolidated financial statements.
General
The Coca-Cola Company is a total beverage company, and beverage products bearing our trademarks, sold in the United States since 1886, are now sold in more than 200 countries and territories. We own or license and market numerous beverage brands, which we group into the following categories: Trademark Coca-Cola; sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee and tea; juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages; and emerging beverages. We own and market several of the world’s largest nonalcoholic sparkling soft drink brands, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta and Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light.
We make our branded beverage products available to consumers throughout the world through our network of independent bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers and retailers as well as our consolidated bottling and distribution operations. Beverages bearing trademarks owned by or licensed to the Company account for 2.2 billion of the estimated 65 billion servings of all beverages consumed worldwide every day.
We believe our success depends on our ability to connect with consumers by providing them with a wide variety of beverage options to meet their desires, needs and lifestyles. Our success further depends on the ability of our people to execute effectively, every day.
We are guided by our purpose, which is to refresh the world and make a difference. Our vision for growth has three connected pillars:
Loved Brands. We craft meaningful brands and a choice of drinks that people love and enjoy and that refresh them in body and spirit.
Done Sustainably. We grow our business in ways that achieve positive change in the world and build a more sustainable future for our planet.
For a Better Shared Future. We invest to improve people’s lives, from our employees to all those who touch our business system, to our investors, to the communities we call home.
The Coca-Cola Company was 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.
Effective January 1, 2025, we sunset our Global Ventures operating segment to streamline and simplify our operating structure. The Global Ventures operating segment was established in 2019 primarily to oversee the Company’s ownership of Costa Limited (“Costa”), innocent and doğadan, as well as the fees earned pursuant to distribution coordination agreements between the Company and Monster Beverage Corporation (“Monster”). The results of the Costa (excluding the ready-to-drink business), innocent and doğadan businesses are now reported within the Company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment. The results of Costa’s ready-to-drink business and the fees related to Monster are now reported within the applicable geographic operating segments.
Operating Segments
The Company’s operating structure is the basis for our internal financial reporting. Our operating structure includes the following operating segments:
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Latin America
North America
Asia Pacific
Bottling Investments
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Additionally, our operating structure includes operating units, which sit under our four geographic operating segments. The operating units are focused on regional and local execution and are highly interconnected, with the goal of eliminating duplication of resources and scaling new products more quickly. The operating units work closely with five global marketing category leadership teams to rapidly scale ideas while staying close to the consumer. The global marketing category leadership teams primarily focus on innovation as well as marketing efficiency and effectiveness.
Our operating structure also includes Corporate, which consists of two components: (1) a center focusing on strategic initiatives, policy, governance and scaling global initiatives, and (2) a platform services organization supporting the operating units, global marketing category leadership teams and the center by providing efficient and scaled global services and capabilities, including, but not limited to, transactional work, data management, consumer analytics, digital commerce and social/digital hubs.
Except to the extent that differences among 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.
Products and Brands
As used in this report:
“concentrates” means flavorings and other ingredients which, when combined with water and, depending on the product, sweeteners (nutritive or non-nutritive) are used to prepare syrups or finished beverages, and includes powders/minerals for purified water products;
“syrups” means intermediate products in the beverage manufacturing process produced by combining concentrates with water and, depending on the product, sweeteners (nutritive or non-nutritive);
“fountain syrups” means syrups that are sold to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores, which use dispensing equipment to mix the syrups with sparkling or still water at the time of purchase to produce finished beverages that are served in cups or glasses for immediate consumption;
“Company Trademark Beverages” means beverages bearing our trademarks and certain other beverages bearing trademarks licensed to us by third parties for which we provide marketing support and from the sale of which we derive an economic benefit; and
“Trademark Coca-Cola Beverages” or “Trademark Coca-Cola” means nonalcoholic beverages bearing the trademark Coca-Cola or any trademark that includes Coca-Cola or Coke (that is, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and all their variations and any line extensions, including caffeine free Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, etc.). Likewise, when we use the capitalized word “Trademark” together with the name of one of our other beverage products (such as “Trademark Fanta,” “Trademark Sprite” or “Trademark Simply”), we mean nonalcoholic beverages bearing the indicated trademark (that is, Fanta, Sprite or Simply, respectively) and all its variations and line extensions (such that “Trademark Fanta” includes Fanta Orange, Fanta Zero Orange, Fanta Zero Sugar, Fanta Apple, etc.; “Trademark Sprite” includes Sprite, Sprite Zero Sugar, etc.; and “Trademark Simply” includes Simply Orange, Simply Apple, Simply Grapefruit, etc.).
Our Company operates in two lines of business: concentrate operations and finished product operations.
Our concentrate operations typically generate net operating revenues by selling beverage concentrates, sometimes referred to as “beverage bases,” syrups, including fountain syrups, and certain finished beverages to authorized bottling operations (to which we typically refer as our “bottlers” or our “bottling partners”). Our bottling partners either combine concentrates with still or sparkling water and sweeteners (depending on the product), or combine syrups with still or sparkling water, to produce finished beverages. The finished beverages are packaged in authorized containers, such as cans and refillable and nonrefillable glass and plastic bottles, bearing our trademarks or trademarks licensed to us and are then sold to retailers directly or, in some cases, through wholesalers or other bottlers. In addition, outside the United States, our bottling partners are typically authorized to manufacture fountain syrups, using our concentrates, which they sell to fountain retailers for use in producing beverages for immediate consumption, or to authorized fountain wholesalers who in turn sell and distribute the fountain syrups to fountain retailers. Our concentrate operations are included in our geographic operating segments.
Our finished product operations generate net operating revenues by selling sparkling soft drinks and a variety of other finished beverages to retailers, or to distributors and wholesalers who in turn sell the beverages to retailers. Generally, finished product operations generate higher net operating revenues but lower gross profit margins than concentrate operations. These operations consist primarily of our consolidated bottling and distribution operations, which are included in our Bottling Investments operating segment. In certain markets, the Company also operates non-bottling finished product operations in which we sell finished beverages to distributors and wholesalers that are generally not one of the Company’s bottling partners. These operations are generally included in our geographic operating segments. Additionally, we sell directly to consumers through retail stores operated by Costa. These sales are included in our Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment, regardless of
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the physical location of the retail stores. In the United States, we manufacture fountain syrups and sell them to fountain retailers, who use the fountain syrups to produce beverages for immediate consumption, or to authorized fountain wholesalers or bottling partners who in turn sell and distribute the fountain syrups to fountain retailers. These fountain syrup sales are included in our North America operating segment.
For information regarding net operating revenues and unit case volume related to our concentrate operations and finished product operations, refer to the heading “Our Business — General” set forth in Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report.
For information regarding how we measure the volume of Company beverage products sold by the Company and our bottling partners (“Coca-Cola system”), refer to the heading “Operations Review — Beverage Volume” set forth in Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report.
We own and market numerous valuable beverage brands, including the following:
sparkling soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta, Fresca, Schweppes1, Sprite and Thums Up;
water, sports, coffee and tea: Aquarius, Ayataka, BODYARMOR, Ciel, Costa, Crystal, Dasani, doğadan, Fuze Tea, Georgia, glacéau smartwater, glacéau vitaminwater, Gold Peak, I LOHAS, Powerade and Topo Chico; and
juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages: Core Power, Del Valle, fairlife, innocent, Maaza, Minute Maid, Minute Maid Pulpy and Simply.
1 Schweppes is owned by the Company in certain countries other than the United States.
The Company has also directly entered the alcohol beverage category in numerous markets outside the United States. In the United States, the Company has established a wholly owned, indirect, firewalled subsidiary, which uses third-party manufacturers and distributors to produce and sell alcohol products in certain regions of the United States and also authorizes alcohol-licensed third parties to use certain of our trademarks and related intellectual property on alcohol beverages that contain Company beverage bases. The Company’s approach in alcohol focuses on three segments of alcohol ready-to-drink beverages: pre-mixed cocktails (e.g., Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola), flavored alcohol beverages (e.g., Lemon-Dou) and hard seltzers (e.g., Topo Chico Hard Seltzer).
In addition to the beverage brands we own, we also provide marketing support and otherwise participate in the sales of other beverage brands through licenses, joint ventures and strategic relationships. For example, certain Coca-Cola system bottlers distribute certain brands of Monster, primarily Monster Energy, in designated territories in the United States, Canada and other international territories pursuant to distribution coordination agreements between the Company and Monster and related distribution agreements between Monster and Coca-Cola system bottlers.
Consumer demand determines the optimal menu of Company product offerings. Consumer demand can vary from one market to another and can change over time within a single market. Our Company continually seeks to further optimize its portfolio of brands, products and services in order to create and satisfy consumer demand in every market.
Distribution System
We make our branded beverage products available to consumers in more than 200 countries and territories through our network of independent bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers and retailers as well as our consolidated bottling and distribution operations. Consumers enjoy finished beverage products bearing trademarks owned by or licensed to the Company at a rate of 2.2 billion servings each day. Our strong and stable bottling and distribution system helps us capture growth by manufacturing, distributing and selling existing, enhanced and new innovative products to consumers throughout the world.
The Coca-Cola system sold 33.7 billion and 33.3 billion unit cases of our products in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Sparkling soft drinks represented 69% of our worldwide unit case volume in both 2024 and 2023. Trademark Coca-Cola accounted for 47% of our worldwide unit case volume in both 2024 and 2023. In 2024, unit case volume in the United States represented 16% of the Company’s worldwide unit case volume. Of the U.S. unit case volume, 61% was attributable to sparkling soft drinks. Trademark Coca-Cola accounted for 42% of U.S. unit case volume. Unit case volume outside the United States represented 84% of the Company’s worldwide unit case volume in 2024. The countries outside the United States in which our unit case volumes were the largest were Mexico, China, Brazil and India, which together accounted for 33% of our worldwide unit case volume. Of the non-U.S. unit case volume, 71% was attributable to sparkling soft drinks. Trademark Coca-Cola accounted for 48% of non-U.S. unit case volume.
Our five largest independent bottling partners based on unit case volume in 2024 were as follows:
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Coca-Cola FEMSA”), which has bottling and distribution operations in Mexico (a substantial part of central Mexico, as well as southeast and northeast Mexico), Guatemala, Colombia (most of the
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country), Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Uruguay, Brazil (a major part of the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais; the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina; and part of the states of Goiás and Rio de Janeiro), and Argentina (federal capital of Buenos Aires and surrounding areas);
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc (“CCEP”), which has bottling and distribution operations in Andorra, Australia, Belgium, continental France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Portugal, Spain and Sweden;
Coca-Cola HBC AG (“Coca-Cola Hellenic”), which has bottling and distribution operations in Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine;
Arca Continental, S.A.B. de C.V., which has bottling and distribution operations in northern and western Mexico, northern Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and the state of Texas and part of the states of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas in the United States; and
Swire Coca-Cola Limited, which has bottling and distribution operations in 11 provinces and the Shanghai municipality in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and territories in 13 states in the western United States.
In 2024, these five bottling partners combined represented 44% of our total worldwide unit case volume.
Being a bottler does not create a legal partnership or joint venture between us and our bottlers. Our bottlers are independent contractors and are not our agents.
Bottler’s Agreements
We have separate contracts, to which we generally refer as “bottler’s agreements,” with our bottling partners under which our bottling partners are granted certain authorizations by us. Subject to specified terms and conditions and certain variations, the bottler’s agreements generally authorize the bottlers to prepare, package, distribute and sell Company Trademark Beverages in authorized containers 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 us or our designee the right (1) to prepare and package such Company Trademark Beverages in such containers in the territory for sale outside the territory; (2) to prepare, package, distribute and sell such Company Trademark Beverages in the territory in any other manner or form (territorial restrictions on bottlers vary in some cases in accordance with local law); and (3) to handle certain key accounts (accounts that cover multiple territories).
While under most of our bottler’s agreements we generally have complete flexibility to determine the price and other terms of sale of the concentrates and syrups we sell to our bottlers, as a practical matter, our Company’s ability to exercise its contractual flexibility to determine the price and other terms of sale of concentrates and syrups is subject, both outside and within the United States, to competitive market conditions. However, in an effort to allow our Company and our bottling partners to grow together through shared value, aligned financial objectives and the flexibility necessary to meet consumers’ always changing needs and tastes, we have implemented an incidence-based concentrate pricing model in most markets. Under this model, the concentrate price we charge is impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, bottler pricing, the channels in which the finished products produced from the concentrates are sold, and package mix.
As further discussed below, our bottler’s agreements for territories outside the United States differ in some respects from our bottler’s agreements for territories within the United States.
Bottler’s Agreements Outside the United States
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. Generally, these bottler’s agreements are subject to termination by the Company following the occurrence of certain designated events, including defined events of default and certain changes in ownership or control of the bottlers. Most 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.
In certain parts of the world outside the United States, we have not granted comprehensive beverage production and distribution rights to the bottlers. In such instances, we have authorized certain bottlers to (1) prepare and package Company Trademark Beverages for sale to other bottlers or (2) purchase Company Trademark Beverages from other bottlers for sale and distribution throughout their respective designated territories, often on a nonexclusive basis.
Bottler’s Agreements Within the United States
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In the United States, most bottlers operate under a contract to which we generally refer as a “Comprehensive Beverage Agreement” (“CBA”) that is of stated duration, subject in most cases to renewal rights of bottlers and in some cases to renewal rights of the Company. A small number of bottlers continue to operate under legacy bottler’s agreements with no stated expiration date for Trademark Coca-Cola Beverages and other cola-flavored Company Trademark Beverages. In all instances, 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.
Certain U.S. bottlers have been granted certain additional exclusive territory rights for the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of Company-owned and licensed beverage brands (as defined by the CBAs). We refer to these bottlers as “expanding participating bottlers” or “EPBs.” EPBs operate under CBAs (“EPB CBAs”) under which the Company generally retained the rights to produce the applicable beverage products for territories not covered by specific manufacturing agreements, and such bottlers purchase from the Company (or from Company-authorized manufacturing bottlers) substantially all of the finished beverage products needed in order to service the customers in these territories. Each EPB CBA has a term of 10 years and is renewable, in most cases by the bottler, and in some cases by the Company, indefinitely for successive additional terms of 10 years each and includes additional requirements that provide for, among other things, a binding national governance model, mandatory incidence pricing and certain core performance requirements. The Company has also entered into manufacturing agreements that authorize certain EPBs that have executed EPB CBAs to manufacture certain beverage products for their own account and for supply to other bottlers.
In addition, certain U.S. bottlers that were not granted additional exclusive territory rights, which we refer to as “participating bottlers,” converted their legacy bottler’s agreements to CBAs, to which we refer as “participating bottler CBAs,” each of which has a term of 10 years, is renewable by the bottler indefinitely for successive additional terms of 10 years each, and is substantially similar in most material respects to the EPB CBAs, including with respect to requirements for a binding national governance model and mandatory incidence pricing, but includes core performance requirements that vary in certain respects from those in the EPB CBAs.
Those bottlers that have not signed CBAs continue to operate under legacy bottler’s agreements that include pricing formulas that generally provide for a baseline price for Trademark Coca-Cola Beverages and other cola-flavored Company Trademark Beverages. 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. The U.S. unit case volume prepared, packaged, sold and distributed under these legacy bottler’s agreements is not material.
Under the terms of the bottler’s agreements, bottlers in the United States generally are not authorized to manufacture fountain syrups. Rather, the 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.
Promotional and Marketing Programs
In addition to conducting our own independent advertising and marketing activities, we may provide promotional and marketing support and/or funds 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 bottler’s agreements between our Company and the bottlers. Also, on a discretionary basis in most cases, our Company may develop and introduce new products, packages and equipment to assist the bottlers. Likewise, in many instances, we provide promotional and marketing support and/or funds and/or dispensing equipment and repair services to fountain and bottle/can retailers, typically pursuant to marketing agreements.
Investments in Bottling Operations
Most of our branded beverage products are prepared, packaged, distributed and sold by independent bottling partners. However, from time to time we acquire or take control of a bottling operation, often in underperforming markets where we believe we can use our resources and expertise to improve performance. Owning a bottling operation enables us to compensate for limited local resources; help focus the bottler’s sales and marketing programs; assist in the development of the bottler’s business and information systems; and establish an appropriate capital structure for the bottler. In line with our long-term bottling strategy, we may periodically consider options for divesting or reducing our ownership interest in a consolidated bottling operation, typically by selling all or a portion of our interest in the bottling operation to an independent bottler to improve Coca-Cola system efficiency. When we sell a consolidated bottling operation to an independent bottling partner in which we have an equity method investment, our Company continues to participate in the bottler’s results of operations through our share of the equity method investee’s earnings or losses.
In addition, from time to time we make equity investments representing noncontrolling interests in certain bottling operations with the intention of maximizing the strength and efficiency of the Coca-Cola system’s production, marketing, sales and distribution capabilities around the world by providing expertise and resources to strengthen those businesses. These
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investments are intended to result in increases in unit case volume, net operating revenues and profits at the bottler level, which in turn generate increased sales for our Company’s concentrate operations. When our equity investment provides us with the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee bottler’s operating and financial policies, we account for the investment under the equity method.
Seasonality
Sales of our ready-to-drink beverages are somewhat seasonal, with the second and third calendar quarters historically accounting for the highest sales volumes. The volume of sales in the beverage business may be affected by weather conditions.
Competition
The commercial beverage industry is highly competitive and consists of numerous companies, ranging from small or emerging to very large and well established. These include companies that, like our Company, compete globally in multiple geographic areas, as well as businesses that are primarily regional or local in operation. Competitive products include numerous nonalcoholic sparkling soft drinks; water products, including flavored and enhanced waters; juices, juice drinks and nectars; dilutables (including syrups and powders); coffees; teas; energy drinks; sports drinks; milk and other dairy-based drinks; plant-based beverages; functional beverages, including vitamin-based products and relaxation beverages; and various other nonalcoholic beverages. These competitive products are sold to consumers in both ready-to-drink and non-ready-to-drink form. The Company has directly entered the alcohol beverage category in numerous markets outside the United States. In the United States, the Company has established a wholly owned, indirect, firewalled subsidiary, which uses third-party manufacturers and distributors to produce and sell alcohol products in certain regions of the United States and also authorizes alcohol-licensed third parties to use certain of our trademarks and related intellectual property on alcohol beverages that contain Company beverage bases. Competitive products include all alcohol ready-to-drink beverages containing various alcohol bases. In many of the countries in which we do business, PepsiCo, Inc. is a primary competitor. Other significant competitors include, but are not limited to, Nestlé S.A., Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., Danone S.A., Suntory Beverage & Food Limited, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Kirin Holdings, Heineken N.V., Diageo plc and Red Bull GmbH. We also compete against numerous regional and local companies and, increasingly, against smaller companies that are developing microbrands and selling them directly to consumers through e-commerce retailers and other e-commerce platforms. In addition, in some markets, we compete against retailers that have developed their own store or private-label beverage brands.
Competitive factors impacting our business include, but are not limited to, pricing, advertising, sales promotion programs,     in-store displays and point-of-sale marketing, digital marketing, product and ingredient innovation, availability, increased efficiency in production techniques, the introduction of new packaging as well as new vending and dispensing equipment, contracting with marketing assets (theaters, sports arenas, universities, etc.), and brand and trademark development and protection.
Our competitive strengths include leading brands with high levels of consumer recognition and loyalty; a worldwide network of bottlers and distributors of Company products; sophisticated marketing capabilities; and a talented group of dedicated employees. Our competitive challenges include strong competitors in all geographic regions; in many countries, a concentrated retail sector with powerful buyers able to freely choose among Company products, products of competitive beverage suppliers and individual retailers’ own store or private-label beverage brands; new industry entrants; and dramatic shifts in consumer shopping methods and patterns due to a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Raw Materials
We and our bottling partners use various ingredients in our business, such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup (“HFCS”), aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, saccharin, cyclamate, steviol glycosides, ascorbic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, caffeine, caramel color and flavors; other raw materials such as orange and other fruit juices and juice concentrates, milk, coffee and tea; packaging materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), bio-based PET and recycled PET for bottles; and aluminum cans, glass bottles and other containers.
Water is a main ingredient in substantially all of our products. While historically we have not experienced significant water supply difficulties, water is a limited natural resource in many parts of the world, and our Company recognizes water availability, quality and sustainability, for both our operations and also the communities where we operate, as one of the key challenges facing our business.
In addition to water, the principal raw materials used in our business are nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the United States, the principal nutritive sweetener is HFCS, which is nutritionally equivalent to sugar. HFCS is available from numerous domestic sources and has historically been subject to fluctuations in its market price. Adverse weather conditions may affect the supply of agricultural commodities from which key ingredients for our products are derived. For example, drought conditions in certain parts of the United States or in other major corn-producing areas of the world may negatively affect the supply of corn, which in turn may result in shortages of and higher prices for HFCS. The principal nutritive sweetener used by our business outside the United States is sucrose (i.e., table sugar), which is also available from numerous sources and has historically been
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subject to fluctuations in its market price. Our Company generally has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining its requirements for nutritive sweeteners. In the United States, we purchase HFCS to meet our and our bottlers’ requirements 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 and Canada. Among other things, CCBSS provides procurement services to our North American operations and to our U.S. and Canadian bottling partners for the purchase of various goods and services, including HFCS.
The principal non-nutritive sweeteners we use in our business are aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, saccharin, cyclamate and steviol glycosides. Generally, these raw materials are readily available from numerous sources. We purchase sucralose, which we consider a critical raw material, from suppliers mainly in the United States and also China. Our Company generally has not experienced major difficulties in obtaining its requirements for non-nutritive sweeteners.
Juice and juice concentrate from various fruits, particularly orange juice and orange juice concentrate, are the principal raw materials for our juice and juice drink products. We source our orange juice and orange juice concentrate from Florida and the Southern Hemisphere (particularly Brazil). We work closely with Cutrale Citrus Juices U.S.A., Inc., our primary supplier of orange juice from Florida and Brazil, to ensure an adequate supply of orange juice and orange juice concentrate that meets our Company’s standards. However, the citrus industry is impacted by citrus greening disease and the variability of weather conditions that can affect the quality and supply of orange juice and orange juice concentrate. In particular, freezing weather or hurricanes in central Florida may result in shortages and higher prices for orange juice and orange juice concentrate throughout the industry. In addition, changing weather patterns are adversely affecting citrus production, contributing to challenges such as citrus greening disease and droughts, which have resulted in a reduced number of citrus trees and increased grower costs and prices.
Milk is the principal raw material for our dairy products. We derive the majority of our dairy revenues through fairlife, LLC (“fairlife”), which purchases milk from dairy cooperatives that in turn source milk from farms within the cooperatives. While our sourcing for milk is currently concentrated among a few dairy cooperatives, we believe we have access to alternate suppliers, if necessary, to help deliver an adequate supply of milk.
We generate most of our coffee revenues through Costa. Costa purchases Rainforest Alliance Certified and other certified green coffee through multiple suppliers, enabling us to source from alternative suppliers as changing weather patterns impact yields in some geographies. Similarly, we procure tea from a diverse supplier base, which helps mitigate the effects of weather-related yield reductions in certain geographies.
Our consolidated bottling operations and our non-bottling finished product operations also purchase various other raw materials, including, but not limited to, PET resin, preforms and bottles; glass and aluminum bottles; aluminum and steel cans; plastic closures; aseptic fiber packaging; labels; cartons; cases; postmix packaging; and beverage gases, including carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen. While we generally purchase these raw materials from multiple suppliers and historically have not experienced significant shortages, certain packaging materials, such as aluminum cans, are available from a limited number of suppliers.
Patents, Copyrights, Trade Secrets and Trademarks
Our Company owns numerous patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other know-how and technology, which we collectively refer to as “technology.” This technology generally relates to beverage products and the processes for their production; packages and packaging materials; design and operation of processes and equipment useful for our business; and certain software. Some of the technology is licensed to suppliers and other parties. Trade secrets are an important aspect of our technology, and our sparkling beverage and other beverage formulas are among the important trade secrets of our Company.
We also 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. Pursuant to our bottler’s agreements, we authorize our bottlers to use applicable Company trademarks in connection with their preparation, packaging, distribution and sale of Company products. In addition, we authorize certain third parties to use applicable Company trademarks in connection with their preparation, packaging, distribution and sale of beverages bearing Company trademarks in certain territories. We also grant licenses to third parties from time to time to use certain of our trademarks in conjunction with certain merchandise and food products.
Governmental Regulation
Our Company is required to comply, and it is our policy to comply, with all applicable laws in the countries and territories throughout the world in which we do business. In many jurisdictions, our operations may come under special scrutiny by competition law authorities due to our competitive position in those jurisdictions.
In the United States, the safety, production, storage, transportation, distribution, advertising, marketing, labeling and sale of our Company’s products and their ingredients are subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; the Federal Trade
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Commission Act; the Lanham Act; state consumer protection laws; various federal and state laws and regulations governing competition and trade practices, including the Robinson-Patman Act of 1936, as amended, and the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, as amended; federal, state and local workplace health and safety laws; various federal and state laws and regulations governing our employment practices, including those related to equal employment opportunity and compensation; various federal, state and local environmental protection laws; privacy and personal data protection laws; trade laws and regulations, including laws regarding the import or export of our products or ingredients used in our products and tariffs; and various other federal, state and local statutes and regulations. We are also required to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act. Outside the United States, our business is subject to numerous similar statutes and regulations, as well as other legal and regulatory requirements and regulatory reviews.
Regulators in the United States and abroad have been expressing concerns about processing and the use of particular ingredients or additives in beverage products. Various jurisdictions have adopted, and others may seek to adopt, bans or restrictions on the use of certain ingredients or substances in products, as well as significant additional product labeling or warning requirements or limitations on the marketing or sale of our products because of what they contain or allegations that they cause adverse health effects. If these types of requirements become applicable to one or more of our products under current or future environmental or health laws or regulations, they may inhibit sales of such products or make it necessary for us to reformulate certain of our products. Under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (“Proposition 65”) of the state of California, if the state has determined that a substance causes cancer or harms human reproduction or development, a warning must be provided for any product sold in the state that exposes consumers to that substance, unless the conditions of an exemption (described below) can be met. The state maintains lists of these substances and periodically adds other substances to these lists. The detection of even a trace amount of a listed substance can subject an affected product to the requirement of a warning label. However, Proposition 65 exempts a product from a warning if the manufacturer can demonstrate that the use of that product exposes consumers to a daily quantity of a listed substance that is:
below a “safe harbor” threshold that may be established;
naturally occurring;
the result of necessary cooking; or
subject to another applicable exemption.
One or more substances that are currently on the Proposition 65 list can be detected in certain Company products at low levels that are safe. The Company maintains that the presence of each such substance in Company products is subject to an applicable exemption from the warning requirement or that the product is otherwise in compliance with Proposition 65. However, the state of California and other parties have in the past taken a contrary position and may do so in the future. Additionally, the state of California may include other substances on the Proposition 65 list in the future.
Bottlers of our beverage products presently offer, among other beverage containers, nonrefillable recyclable containers in the United States and various other markets around the world. Some of these bottlers also offer and use refillable containers, which are also recyclable. Legal requirements apply in various jurisdictions in the United States and elsewhere around the world requiring that deposits or certain ecotaxes or fees be charged in connection with the sale, marketing and use of certain beverage containers. The precise requirements imposed by these measures vary. Other types of statutes and regulations relating to beverage container deposits, recycling, ecotaxes, extended producer responsibility and/or restrictions or bans on the use of certain types of packaging, including certain packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), also apply in various jurisdictions in the United States and elsewhere around the world. We anticipate that additional such legal requirements may be proposed or enacted in the future at federal, state and local levels, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world.
All of our Company’s facilities and other operations in the United States and elsewhere around the world are subject to various environmental protection statutes and regulations, including those relating to the use and treatment of water resources, discharge of wastewater and air emissions. In addition, increasing concern over climate change is expected to continue to result in additional legal or regulatory requirements (both inside and outside the United States) designed to reduce or mitigate the effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions on the environment, to discourage the use of plastic materials, to limit or impose additional costs on commercial water use due to local water scarcity concerns, or to expand disclosure of certain sustainability metrics. Our policy is to comply with all such legal requirements. We have made, and plan on continuing to make, expenditures necessary to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that aim to make progress toward achieving our sustainability goals. While compliance has not had a material adverse effect on our Company’s capital expenditures, net income or competitive position to date, changes in environmental compliance requirements along with expenditures necessary to comply with such requirements or that aim to make progress toward achieving our sustainability goals could adversely affect our financial performance.
We are also subject to various federal, state and international laws and regulations related to cybersecurity, privacy and data
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protection, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, China’s Personal Information Protection Law and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which became effective on January 1, 2020, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which became effective on January 1, 2023. In addition to California, at least 18 other states in the United States have passed comprehensive privacy laws similar to the CCPA and the CPRA. These laws are either in effect or will go into effect during 2025 or in the future, and we expect other states to consider adopting similar laws in the future. Like the CCPA and the CPRA, these laws create, or are expected to create, obligations related to the processing of personal information, as well as special obligations for the processing of “sensitive” data. Some of the provisions of these laws may apply to our business activities. The U.S. Congress has also considered legislation relating to data privacy and data protection, and the U.S. federal government may in the future pass such legislation. The interpretation and application of privacy, data protection and data residency laws are often uncertain and are expanding in the United States and internationally, including in the European Union, Brazil, China and other jurisdictions. We monitor pending and proposed legislation and regulatory initiatives to ascertain their relevance to and potential impact on our business, and we develop strategies to address regulatory trends and developments, including any required changes to our privacy and data protection compliance programs and policies. Globally, we see a trend toward data protection laws and regulations increasing in complexity and number, and we anticipate that our obligations will expand commensurately. As a result, our ability to maximize the utility of our data could be impacted and we may need to modify our practices to accommodate legal and regulatory constraints and obligations or meet consumer expectations.
For additional information, refer to Part I, “Item IA. Risk Factors” of this report.
Human Capital Management
Our people and culture strategies are critical business priorities. The board of directors of the Company (“Board of Directors”), through the Talent and Compensation Committee, provides oversight of the Company’s policies and strategies relating to talent, leadership and culture, and the Company’s compensation philosophy and programs. The Talent and Compensation Committee also evaluates and approves the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs applicable to our senior executives. In addition, the Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee of our Board of Directors oversees succession planning and talent development for our senior executives.
We believe people are our most important asset, and we strive to attract and retain high-performing talent. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our Company had approximately 69,700 and 79,100 employees, respectively, of which approximately 8,900 and 9,000, respectively, were located in the United States. The decrease in the total number of employees was primarily due to 2024 refranchising activity. Our Company, through its divisions and subsidiaries, is a party to numerous collective bargaining agreements. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 400 employees in North America were covered by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements typically have terms of three to five years. We currently anticipate that we will continue to successfully negotiate such agreements with representatives of our bargained-for employees.
Our diverse, high-performing global employee base helps drive a culture of inclusion, innovation and growth. We aspire to develop a global workforce with diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that reflect the broad range of consumers and markets we serve around the world; we aim to enable an inclusive culture where all employees thrive; and we are focused on providing access to equal opportunities and fostering belonging both in our workplaces and the local communities we proudly serve. We believe that these efforts are critical to the Company’s continued growth and success.
We support many employee-led inclusion networks around the world. Our inclusion networks are open to all employees and are regionally structured to meet relevant local needs. They provide employees with the opportunity to engage with colleagues around the world and foster relationships based on common interests or backgrounds.
Through our comprehensive global talent and development programs, we continuously invest in our talent for growth in our networked organization. We believe in providing challenging and diverse experiences and opportunities to our people to help them develop and grow.
Our global career strategy program, called Thrive, is designed to provide clarity to employees on what it means to have a career at the Company. Through our people-centered approach, we strive to create an integrated, streamlined and inspiring career experience. We believe that development is anchored in acquiring skills and work experiences. We focus on investing in inspirational leadership, capability development, and providing learning opportunities to equip our global workforce with the skills they need for the future and to improve employee engagement and retention. We provide a range of formal and informal learning and leadership development programs, which are designed to help all of our employees continuously grow and strengthen their skills throughout their careers. We provide online learning through a robust catalog of digital content as well as experiential learning opportunities, and we are continually identifying opportunities to provide access to capability development content for all of our employees. We also have Thrive Opportunity Marketplace, a technology solution that helps connect project opportunities to interested employees who have the capacity, skills and interest in short-term experiences and
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assignments. Additionally, we offer comprehensive Company-wide onboarding, coaching and mentoring programs that support leadership and employee development at all levels in our organization.
We also believe that talent thrives in a growth-oriented environment where high performance and leadership effectiveness are valued. Our talent practices rely on data and feedback from multiple sources to help our employees get the transparent and timely feedback they need to be successful.
Through comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits, ongoing employee learning and development, and a focus on health and well-being, we strive to support our employees in all aspects of their lives. Our compensation programs are designed to reinforce our growth agenda and our talent strategy as well as to drive a strong connection between the contributions of our employees and their pay. We review our compensation programs regularly to help ensure fairness, including conducting pay equity analyses.
We believe our compensation packages provide the appropriate incentives to attract, retain and motivate our employees. We provide base pay that is competitive and that aligns with employee positions, skill levels, experience and geographic location. In addition to base pay, we seek to reward employees, based on performance, with annual incentive awards, recognition programs and equity awards for employees at certain job levels.
We also offer competitive employee benefits packages, which vary by country and region, and our benefits strategy includes establishing global minimum standards that we aim to apply consistently across the world. These employee benefits packages may include a 401(k) plan, pension plan, core and supplemental life insurance, financial courses and advisors, employee assistance programs, tuition assistance, commuter assistance, adoption assistance, medical and dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings accounts, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, well-being rewards programs, vacation pay, holiday pay, and parental and adoption leave.
As our employees work together to achieve our purpose to refresh the world and make a difference, they collectively build and reinforce our culture. Our culture is rooted in our growth mindset, which expects each employee, leader and function to be curious, empowered, inclusive and agile. We use a variety of practices to measure and support progress against these growth behaviors and to ensure that our employees are engaged and fulfilled at work. For example, our Performance Enablement and Culture & Engagement Survey platforms provide regular opportunities for employees across the organization to provide feedback on how their leaders, teammates and work experiences support the growth behaviors. Data from questionnaires are anonymized and plotted against historical results to inform teams and functions on areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. We also encourage regular, live communication across the organization and host quarterly global town halls with our senior leadership that include employee question-and-answer sessions. In addition, function-level town halls are held on a regular basis.
Available Information
The Company maintains a website at the following address: www.coca-colacompany.com. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference in this report. 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 (“SEC”) in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“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. In addition, we routinely post on the “Investors” page of our website news releases, announcements and other statements about our business and results of operations. We may use the “Investors” page of our website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Therefore, we encourage investors to monitor the “Investors” page of our website and review the information we post on that page.
The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at the following address: http://www.sec.gov.
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
Our worldwide headquarters is located on a 35-acre complex in Atlanta, Georgia. The complex includes several office buildings which are used by Corporate employees and North America operating segment employees. In addition, the complex includes technical and engineering facilities along with a reception center.
We own or lease additional facilities, real estate and office space throughout the world, which we use for administrative, manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, warehousing, distribution and retail operations. These properties are generally included in the geographic operating segment in which they are located, with the exception of facilities related to our consolidated bottling and distribution operations, which are included in the Bottling Investments operating segment, and Costa retail stores, which are included in the Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment, regardless of geographic location.
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The following table summarizes our principal production facilities, distribution and storage facilities, and retail stores by operating segment and Corporate as of December 31, 2024:
Principal Concentrate and/or Syrup Plants Principal Beverage Manufacturing/Bottling Plants Principal Distribution and Storage Facilities Principal Retail Stores
Owned Leased Owned Leased Owned Leased Owned Leased
Europe, Middle East & Africa —  —  35  —  1,526 
Latin America —  —  —  —  — 
North America 10  —  —  29  —  — 
Asia Pacific —  —  — 
Bottling Investments —  —  61  51  79  —  — 
Corporate —  —  —  —  —  — 
Total 30  74  63  157  —  1,526 
Management believes that our Company’s facilities used 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 our production facilities varies based upon seasonal demand for our products. However, management believes that, with the exception of certain dairy products that require specialized equipment, additional production can be achieved at the existing facilities by adding personnel and capital equipment or, at some facilities, by adding shifts of personnel or expanding the facilities. The Company is in the process of increasing our dairy production capacity. We continuously review our anticipated requirements for facilities and, on the basis of that review, may from time to time acquire or lease additional facilities and/or dispose of existing facilities.
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Part II
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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 thereto contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report. MD&A includes the following sections:
Our Business — a general description of our business and its challenges and risks.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates.
Operations Review — an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for 2024 and 2023 and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023. An analysis of our consolidated results of operations for 2023 and 2022 and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 can be found in MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position — an analysis of cash flows, contractual obligations, foreign exchange, and the impact of inflation and changing prices.
OUR BUSINESS
General
The Coca-Cola Company is a total beverage company, and beverage products bearing our trademarks, sold in the United States since 1886, are now sold in more than 200 countries and territories. We own or license and market numerous beverage brands, which we group into the following categories: Trademark Coca-Cola; sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee and tea; juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages; and emerging beverages. We own and market several of the world’s largest nonalcoholic sparkling soft drink brands, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta and Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light.
We make our branded beverage products available to consumers throughout the world through our network of independent bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers and retailers as well as the Company’s consolidated bottling and distribution operations. Beverages bearing trademarks owned by or licensed to us account for 2.2 billion of the estimated 65 billion servings of all beverages consumed worldwide every day.
We believe our success depends on our ability to connect with consumers by providing them with a wide variety of beverage options to meet their desires, needs and lifestyles. Our success further depends on the ability of our people to execute effectively, every day.
Our Company operates in two lines of business: concentrate operations and finished product operations.
Our concentrate operations typically generate net operating revenues by selling beverage concentrates, sometimes referred to as “beverage bases,” syrups, including fountain syrups, and certain finished beverages to authorized bottling operations (to which we typically refer as our “bottlers” or our “bottling partners”). Our bottling partners either combine concentrates with still or sparkling water and sweeteners (depending on the product), or combine syrups with still or sparkling water, to produce finished beverages. The finished beverages are packaged in authorized containers, such as cans and refillable and nonrefillable glass and plastic bottles, bearing our trademarks or trademarks licensed to us and are then sold to retailers directly or, in some cases, through wholesalers or other bottlers. In addition, outside the United States, our bottling partners are typically authorized to manufacture fountain syrups, using our concentrates, which they sell to fountain retailers for use in producing beverages for immediate consumption, or to authorized fountain wholesalers who in turn sell and distribute the fountain syrups to fountain retailers. Our concentrate operations are included in our geographic operating segments.
Our finished product operations generate net operating revenues by selling sparkling soft drinks and a variety of other finished beverages to retailers, or to distributors and wholesalers who in turn sell the beverages to retailers. Generally, finished product operations generate higher net operating revenues but lower gross profit margins than concentrate operations. These operations consist primarily of our consolidated bottling and distribution operations, which are included in our Bottling Investments operating segment. In certain markets, the Company also operates non-bottling finished product operations in which we sell finished beverages to distributors and wholesalers that are generally not one of the Company’s bottling partners. These
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operations are generally included in our geographic operating segments. Additionally, we sell directly to consumers through retail stores operated by Costa. These sales are included in our Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment, regardless of the physical location of the retail stores. In the United States, we manufacture fountain syrups and sell them to fountain retailers, who use the fountain syrups to produce beverages for immediate consumption, or to authorized fountain wholesalers or bottling partners who in turn sell and distribute the fountain syrups to fountain retailers. These fountain syrup sales are included in our North America operating segment.
The following table sets forth the percentage of total net operating revenues attributable to concentrate operations and finished product operations:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Concentrate operations 59  % 58  %
Finished product operations 41  42 
Total 100  % 100  %
The following table sets forth the percentage of total worldwide unit case volume attributable to concentrate operations and finished product operations:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Concentrate operations 85  % 83  %
Finished product operations 15  17 
Total 100  % 100  %
We operate in the highly competitive commercial beverage industry. We face strong competition from numerous other general and specialty beverage companies. We, along with other beverage companies, are affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the cost to manufacture and distribute products, consumer spending, economic conditions, availability and quality of water, consumer preferences, inflation, geopolitical conditions (including international conflicts), local and national laws and regulations, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel prices, weather patterns and health crises.
Despite the dynamic world in which we are currently operating, we believe we are well positioned to create value for our Company and our stakeholders. In an effort to support our future growth, we are continuing to invest in our portfolio of brands, our strategic capabilities and our people. We are focused on the following strategic priorities: shaping a portfolio of loved brands; transforming our marketing and innovation agenda; optimizing the Coca-Cola ecosystem; building talent and capabilities; and enhancing our license to operate.
Challenges and Risks
Being a global enterprise provides unique opportunities for our Company. Challenges and risks accompany those opportunities. Our management has identified certain challenges and risks that demand the attention of our Company and the commercial beverage industry. Of these, six key strategic business challenges and risks are discussed below.
Obesity
Obesity continues to impact individuals, communities and countries worldwide. There is concern among consumers, public health professionals and governments about the health problems associated with obesity, which may present a challenge to our industry. We understand that obesity is a complex public health challenge, and we are committed to being a part of the solution.
We recognize the uniqueness of consumers’ lifestyles and dietary choices. Therefore, we continue to do the following:
offer an expanded portfolio of beverage choices, including reduced-, low- and no-calorie beverage options;
provide transparent nutrition information, featuring calories on the front of most of our packages;
provide our beverages in a range of packaging sizes, including small sizes to enable portion control; and
market responsibly, including no advertising targeted to children under 13.
The heritage of our Company is to lead, and innovation is critical for leadership. As such, we are resolute in continuing to innovate and are committed to partnering with suppliers to invest in research and development of new noncaloric sweeteners and flavors that help us create the best tasting beverages, including options with low or no calories. We want to be a helpful and credible partner in the fight against obesity.
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Evolving Consumer Product Preferences
We are impacted by shifting consumer demographics and needs, on-the-go lifestyles and consumers who are empowered with more information than ever. As a consequence of these changes, many consumers want more beverage choices, personalization, a focus on sustainability, and transparency related to our products and packaging. We are committed to meeting changing consumer needs and to generating growth through our evolving portfolio of beverage brands and products (including numerous low- and no-calorie products); selectively expanding into other profitable categories of the commercial beverage industry; investing in innovative and sustainable packaging; and including easy-to-access information about our beverages on our website.
Evolving Competitive Landscape and Competing in the Digital Marketplace
Our Company faces strong competition from well-established global companies as well as numerous regional and local companies. Additionally, the rapidly evolving digital landscape and growth of e-commerce in many markets has led to dramatic shifts in consumer shopping habits and patterns. Consumers are rapidly embracing shopping via mobile device applications, e-commerce retailers and e-commerce websites or platforms, which presents new challenges to maintain the competitiveness and relevancy of our brands. As a result, we must continuously strengthen our capabilities in marketing and innovation to compete in a digital environment and maintain brand loyalty and market share. In addition, we are increasing our investments in e-commerce to support retail and meal delivery services, offering more package sizes that are fit-for-purpose for online sales and shifting more consumer and trade promotions to digital.
Product Safety and Quality
We strive to meet the highest standards in both product safety and product quality. We are aware that some consumers have concerns regarding certain ingredients used in our products. We only use ingredients that are authorized for use by regulatory authorities in each of the markets in which we operate. The Coca-Cola system works every day to produce high-quality, safe and refreshing beverages for consumers around the world. We have rigorous product and ingredient safety and quality standards designed to ensure safety and quality in each of our products, and we drive innovation that provides new beverage options to satisfy consumers’ evolving needs and preferences.
We work to ensure consistent product safety and quality through strong governance and compliance with applicable regulations and standards. We stay current with new regulations, industry best practices and marketplace conditions, and we engage with standard-setting and industry organizations. Additionally, our operations, contract manufacturers and bottling partners manufacture and distribute our products according to strict policies, requirements and specifications set forth in an integrated quality management program that continually measures all operations within the Coca-Cola system against the same stringent standards. Our quality management program also identifies and mitigates risks and drives improvement. In our quality laboratories, we stringently measure the quality attributes of ingredients as well as samples of our finished products.
We perform due diligence to ensure that product and ingredient safety and quality standards are maintained in the more than 200 countries and territories where our products are sold. We regularly assess the relevance of our requirements and standards and continually work to improve and refine them across our entire supply chain.
Sustainability Matters
Investors and stakeholders increasingly focus on sustainability matters. We acknowledge that we have a role to play in developing and implementing solutions that help build resilience across our business. Our ability to achieve our sustainability goals and aspirations is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, our actions along with the actions of various stakeholders, such as our bottling partners, suppliers, governments, nongovernmental organizations, communities, and other third parties, some of which are outside of our control.
Talent Acquisition and Retention
Competition for existing and prospective talent has increased, especially considering changing worker expectations and talent marketplace variability. In addition, the broader labor market is experiencing a shortage of qualified talent, which has further increased competition for specialized talent that we want and may require for our future business needs.
Our people and our culture are critical business priorities, and we strive to be a global employer of choice that attracts and retains high-performing talent with the passion, skills and mindsets to drive us on our purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that inspires and supports the growth of our employees, serves our communities and shapes a strong and more sustainable business.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of this report for additional information about risks and uncertainties facing our Company.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We believe our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to the following:
Principles of Consolidation
Recoverability of Equity Method Investments and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Pension Plan Valuations
Revenue Recognition
Income Taxes
Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Company’s Board of Directors. While our estimates and assumptions are based on our knowledge of current events and on actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. For a discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Principles of Consolidation
Our Company consolidates all entities that we control by ownership of a majority voting interest. Additionally, there are situations in which consolidation is required even though the usual condition of consolidation (i.e., ownership of a majority voting interest) does not apply. Generally, this occurs when an entity holds an interest in another business enterprise that was achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests, which results in a disproportionate relationship between such entity’s voting interests in, and its exposure to the economic risks and potential rewards of, the other business enterprise. This disproportionate relationship results in what is known as a variable interest, and the entity in which another entity holds a variable interest is referred to as a “VIE.” An enterprise must consolidate a VIE if it is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary has both (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Our Company holds interests in certain VIEs, primarily bottling operations, for which we were not determined to be the primary beneficiary. Our variable interests in these VIEs primarily relate to equity investments, profit guarantees or subordinated financial support. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Although these financial arrangements resulted in our holding variable interests in these entities, they did not empower us to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. Creditors of our VIEs do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company, regardless of whether the VIEs are accounted for as consolidated entities.
We use the equity method to account for investments in companies if our investment provides us with the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Our consolidated net income includes our Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. Our judgment regarding the level of influence over each equity method investee includes considering key factors, such as our ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions, other commercial arrangements and material intercompany transactions.
We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions, including the intercompany transactions with consolidated VIEs and the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.
Recoverability of Equity Method Investments and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Our Company faces many uncertainties and risks related to various economic, political and regulatory environments in the countries and territories in which we operate, particularly in developing and emerging markets. Refer to the heading “Our Business — Challenges and Risks” above and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of this report as well as the heading “Operations Review” below for additional information related to our present business environment. As a result, management must make numerous assumptions, which involve a significant amount of judgment, when performing impairment tests of equity method investments and indefinite-lived intangible assets in various regions around the world. The performance of impairment tests involves critical accounting estimates. These estimates require significant management judgment and include inherent uncertainties. Factors that management must estimate include, among others, the economic lives of the assets, sales volume, pricing, royalty rates, cost of raw materials, delivery costs, long-term growth rates, discount rates, marketing spending, foreign currency exchange rates, tax rates, capital spending and proceeds from the sale of assets. The variability of these factors
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depends on a number of conditions, and thus our accounting estimates may change from period to period. These factors are even more difficult to estimate when global financial markets are highly volatile. As these factors are often interdependent and may not change in isolation, we do not believe it is practicable or meaningful to present the impact of changing a single factor. If we had used other assumptions and estimates when impairment tests were performed, impairment charges could have resulted. Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions in future periods, or if different conditions exist in future periods, impairment charges could result. The total future impairment charges we may be required to record could be material.
Equity Method Investments
Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. When such events or changes occur, we evaluate the fair value compared to our cost basis in the investment. The fair values of most of our Company’s investments in publicly traded companies are readily available based on quoted market prices. For investments in nonpublicly traded companies, management’s assessment of fair value is based on various valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds, and appraisals, as appropriate. We consider the assumptions that we believe a market participant would use in evaluating estimated future cash flows when employing the discounted cash flow or estimates of sales proceeds valuation methodologies. The ability to accurately predict future cash flows, especially in emerging and developing markets, may impact the determination of fair value. In the event the fair value of an investment declines below our cost basis, management is required to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary. If management determines the decline is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded. Management’s assessment as to the nature of a decline in fair value is based on, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than our cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of impairment charges, if applicable.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets must be performed at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. Our Company performs the annual impairment tests as of the first day of our third fiscal quarter. We perform impairment tests using various valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and a market approach, to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset or the reporting unit, as applicable. The ability to accurately predict future cash flows, especially in emerging and developing markets, may impact the determination of fair value. When performing these impairment tests, we estimate the fair values of the assets using management’s best assumptions, which we believe are consistent with those a market participant would use. The estimates and assumptions used in these tests are evaluated and updated as appropriate.
For indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, rather than completing the impairment test. The Company must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, it must perform the impairment testing described above.
We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is generally one level below our operating segments. Our operating segments are primarily based on geographic responsibility, which is consistent with the way management runs our business. Our geographic operating segments are generally subdivided into smaller geographic regions, which are reporting units. The Bottling Investments operating segment includes all of our consolidated bottling operations, regardless of geographic location. Generally, each consolidated bottling operation within our Bottling Investments operating segment is its own reporting unit. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination.
In order to test for goodwill impairment, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is written down for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. However, the impairment charge recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The assumptions used in our impairment testing models are consistent with those we believe a market participant would use. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill rather than completing the impairment test. The Company must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, it must perform the impairment testing discussed above. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform any further assessment.
Intangible assets acquired in recent transactions are naturally more susceptible to impairment, because they are recorded at fair value based on recent operating plans and macroeconomic conditions present at the time of acquisition. Consequently, if
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operating results and/or macroeconomic conditions deteriorate shortly after an acquisition, it could result in the impairment of the acquired assets. A deterioration of macroeconomic conditions may not only negatively impact the estimated operating cash flows used in our cash flow models but may also negatively impact other assumptions used in our analyses, including, but not limited to, the discount rates. If the discount rates change, our Company may recognize an impairment of an intangible asset in spite of realizing actual cash flows that are equal to, or greater than, our previously forecasted amounts. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent acquisitions, if applicable.
In November 2021, the Company acquired the remaining 85% ownership interest in, and now owns 100% of BA Sports Nutrition, LLC (“BodyArmor”), which offers a line of sports performance and hydration beverages. During 2021, in conjunction with acquiring the remaining ownership interest, we recognized a noncash gain of $834 million resulting from the remeasurement of our previously held equity interest in BodyArmor to fair value. The Company allocated $4.2 billion of the $5.6 billion purchase price to the BodyArmor trademark. During the three months ended March 29, 2024, the operating results related to the trademark were lower than expected. Therefore, the Company revised its projections of the future operating results related to the trademark, which triggered the need to update its impairment analysis. As a result, the Company concluded that the fair value of the trademark was less than its carrying value and recorded an impairment charge of $760 million. The decrease in fair value was primarily driven by the revised projections of future operating results as well as higher discount rates resulting from changes in macroeconomic conditions since the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of this trademark approximates its carrying value. If the near-term operating results of this trademark do not achieve our revised financial projections, or if the macroeconomic conditions change, causing the discount rate to increase without an offsetting increase in the operating results, it is likely that we would be required to recognize an additional impairment charge. Management will continue to monitor the fair value of this trademark in future periods.
Pension Plan Valuations
Our Company sponsors a qualified pension plan covering substantially all U.S. employees as well as unfunded nonqualified pension plans for certain employees in the United States. In addition, our Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans outside the United States.
Management is required to make certain critical estimates related to the actuarial assumptions used to determine our pension obligations and our net periodic pension cost or income. We believe the two most critical assumptions are the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Our actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually, or more frequently to the extent that a settlement or curtailment occurs. Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on the measurement of our pension obligations and our net periodic pension cost or income.
The discount rate assumption used to account for pension plans reflects the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. The discount rate for U.S. and certain non-U.S. plans is determined using a matching technique whereby the rates of a yield curve, developed from high-quality debt securities, are applied to projected benefit cash flows to determine the appropriate effective discount rate. For other non-U.S. plans, we base the discount rate assumption on comparable indices within each of the respective countries. The Company measures the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost or income by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the plans’ projected cash flows.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based upon the long-term outlook of our investment strategy as well as our historical returns and volatilities for each asset class. We also review current levels of interest rates and inflation to assess the reasonableness of our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Our investment objective for our pension assets is to ensure all funded pension plans have sufficient assets to meet their benefit obligations when they become due. As a result, the Company periodically revises asset allocations, where appropriate, to seek to improve returns and manage risk.
In 2024, the Company’s total net periodic pension cost was $45 million. In 2025, we expect our net periodic pension cost to be approximately $81 million. The increase in net periodic pension cost is primarily due to a lower expected return on assets resulting from a transfer of $523 million of surplus international plan assets from pension trusts to general assets of the Company in 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the U.S. qualified pension plan represented 64% and 58% of the Company’s consolidated projected benefit obligation and pension plan assets, respectively. For this plan, we estimate that a 50 basis-point decrease in the discount rate would result in a $7 million increase in our 2025 net periodic pension cost, and we estimate that a 50 basis-point decrease in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would result in an $18 million increase in our 2025 net periodic pension cost.
Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our pension plans and related actuarial assumptions.
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Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contracts with our customers are satisfied. Our performance obligation generally consists of the promise to sell concentrates, syrups or finished products to our bottling partners, wholesalers, distributors or retailers. Control of the concentrates, syrups or finished products is transferred upon shipment to, or receipt at, our customers’ locations, as determined by the specific terms of the contract. Upon transfer of control to the customer, which completes our performance obligation, revenue is recognized. Our sales terms generally do not allow for a right of return except for matters related to any manufacturing defects on our part. After completion of our performance obligation, we have an unconditional right to consideration as outlined in the contract. Our receivables will generally be collected in less than six months, in accordance with the underlying payment terms. All of our performance obligations under the terms of contracts with our customers have an original duration of one year or less.
In most markets, in an effort to allow our Company and our bottling partners to grow together through shared value, aligned financial objectives and the flexibility necessary to meet consumers’ always changing needs and tastes, we have implemented an incidence-based concentrate pricing model. Under this model, the concentrate price we charge is impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, bottler pricing, the channels in which the finished products produced from the concentrates are sold, and package mix. The amounts associated with the arrangements described above represent variable consideration, an estimate of which is included in the transaction price as a component of net operating revenues in our consolidated statement of income upon completion of our performance obligations. The total revenue recorded, including any variable consideration, cannot exceed the amount for which it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur when uncertainties related to variability are resolved. As a result, we are recognizing revenue based on our best estimate of the consideration that we expect to receive. In making our estimates of variable consideration, we consider past results and make assumptions related to: (1) customer sales volumes; (2) customer ending inventories; (3) customer selling price per unit; (4) selling channels; and (5) discount rates, rebates and other pricing allowances, as applicable. In gathering data to estimate our variable consideration, we generally calculate our estimates using a portfolio approach at the country and product line level rather than at the individual contract level. The result of making these estimates will impact the line items trade accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet, as applicable. The actual amounts ultimately paid and/or received may be different from our estimates.
Income Taxes
Our annual effective tax rate is based on our income and the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual income tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that the position becomes uncertain based upon one of the following conditions: (1) the tax position is not “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but for a lesser amount; or (3) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. For purposes of evaluating whether or not a tax position is uncertain, (1) we presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information; (2) the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and caselaw and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position; and (3) each tax position is evaluated without consideration of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. 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. Refer to the heading “Operations Review — Income Taxes” below and Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
A number of years may elapse before a particular uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved. The number of years subject to tax audits or tax assessments varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold would be recognized in income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears under any one of the following conditions: (1) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position, amount and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired. Settlement of any particular issue would usually require the use of cash. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Tax laws require certain 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, the annual effective tax rate reflected in our consolidated financial statements is different from 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the book basis and tax basis 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 and for the manner in which the differences are expected to reverse. Based on the evaluation of all available information, the Company recognizes
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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 taxable temporary differences; taxable income in prior carryback 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.
The Company does not record a U.S. deferred tax liability for the excess of the book basis over the tax basis of its investments in foreign subsidiaries to the extent that the basis difference meets the indefinite reversal criteria. These criteria are met if the foreign subsidiary has invested, or will invest, the undistributed earnings indefinitely. The decision as to the amount of undistributed earnings that the Company intends to maintain in non-U.S. subsidiaries takes into account various items, including, but not limited to, forecasts and budgets of financial needs of cash for working capital, liquidity plans, capital improvement programs, merger and acquisition plans, and planned loans to other non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company also evaluates its expected cash requirements in the United States. Other factors that can influence that determination are local restrictions on remittances (for example, in some countries a central bank application and approval are required in order for the Company’s local country subsidiary to pay a dividend), economic stability and asset risk. Refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
OPERATIONS REVIEW
Our organizational structure consists of the following operating segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; North America; Asia Pacific; and Bottling Investments. Our operating structure also includes Corporate, which consists of a center and a platform services organization. For additional information regarding our operating segments and Corporate, refer to Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Structural Changes, Acquired Brands and Newly Licensed Brands
In order to continually improve upon the Company’s operating performance, from time to time we engage in buying and selling ownership interests in bottling partners and other manufacturing operations. In addition, we periodically acquire brands and their related operations or enter into license agreements for certain brands to supplement our beverage offerings. These items impact our operating results and certain key metrics used by management in assessing the Company’s performance.
Unit case volume growth is a key metric used by management to evaluate the Company’s performance because it measures demand for our products at the consumer level. The Company’s unit case volume represents the number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of Company beverage products directly or indirectly sold by the Company and its bottling partners to customers or consumers and, therefore, reflects unit case volume for both consolidated and unconsolidated bottlers. Refer to the heading “Beverage Volume” below.
Concentrate sales volume represents the amount of concentrates, syrups, source waters and powders/minerals (in all instances expressed in unit case equivalents) sold by, or used in finished products sold by, the Company to its bottling partners or other customers. For Costa non-ready-to-drink beverage products, concentrate sales volume represents the amount of beverages, primarily measured in number of transactions (in all instances expressed in unit case equivalents), sold by the Company to customers or consumers. Refer to the heading “Beverage Volume” below.
When we analyze our net operating revenues, we generally consider the following factors: (1) volume growth (concentrate sales volume or unit case volume, as applicable); (2) changes in price, product and geographic mix; (3) foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; and (4) acquisitions and divestitures (including structural changes as defined below), as applicable. Refer to the heading “Net Operating Revenues” below. The Company sells concentrates and syrups to both consolidated and unconsolidated bottling partners. The ownership structure of our bottling partners impacts the timing of recognizing concentrate revenue and concentrate sales volume. When we sell concentrates or syrups to our consolidated bottling partners, we do not recognize the concentrate revenue or concentrate sales volume until the bottling partner has sold finished products manufactured from the concentrates or syrups to a third party. When we sell concentrates or syrups to our unconsolidated bottling partners, we recognize the concentrate revenue and concentrate sales volume when the concentrates or syrups are sold to the bottling partner. The subsequent sale of the finished products manufactured from the concentrates or syrups to a third party does not impact the timing of recognizing the concentrate revenue or concentrate sales volume. When we account for an unconsolidated bottling partner as an equity method investment, we eliminate the intercompany profit related to concentrate sales to the extent of our ownership interest, until the equity method investee has sold finished products manufactured from the concentrates or syrups to a third party. We typically report unit case volume when finished products manufactured from the concentrates or syrups are sold to a third party, regardless of our ownership interest in the bottling partner, if any.
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We generally refer to acquisitions and divestitures of bottling operations as “structural changes,” which are a component of acquisitions and divestitures. Typically, structural changes do not impact the Company’s unit case volume on a consolidated basis or at the geographic operating segment level. We recognize unit case volume for all sales of Company beverage products, regardless of our ownership interest in the bottling partner, if any. However, the unit case volume reported by our Bottling Investments operating segment is generally impacted by structural changes because it only includes the unit case volume of our consolidated bottling operations. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s acquisitions and divestitures.
“Acquired brands” refers to brands acquired during the past 12 months. Typically, the Company has not reported unit case volume or recognized concentrate sales volume related to acquired brands in periods prior to the closing of a transaction. Therefore, the unit case volume and concentrate sales volume related to an acquired brand are incremental to prior year volume. We generally do not consider the acquisition of a brand to be a structural change.
“Licensed brands” refers to brands not owned by the Company but for which we hold certain rights, generally including, but not limited to, distribution rights, and from which we derive an economic benefit when the related products are sold. Typically, the Company has not reported unit case volume or recognized concentrate sales volume related to a licensed brand in periods prior to the beginning of the term of a license agreement. Therefore, in the year that a license agreement is entered into, the unit case volume and concentrate sales volume related to a licensed brand are incremental to prior year volume. We generally do not consider the licensing of a brand to be a structural change.
In January 2023, the Company refranchised our bottling operations in Vietnam. The impact of this refranchising has been included as a structural change in our analysis of net operating revenues on a consolidated basis as well as for the Bottling Investments and Asia Pacific operating segments. In January, February and December 2024, the Company refranchised our bottling operations in certain territories in India, and in February 2024, the Company refranchised our bottling operations in Bangladesh and the Philippines. The impact of each of these refranchisings has been included as a structural change in our analysis of net operating revenues on a consolidated basis as well as for the Bottling Investments and Asia Pacific operating segments.
In May 2023, the Company acquired certain brands in Asia Pacific. The impact of acquiring these brands has been included in acquisitions and divestitures in our analysis of net operating revenues on a consolidated basis as well as for the Asia Pacific operating segment.
Beverage Volume
We measure the volume of Company beverage products sold in two ways: (1) unit cases of finished products and (2) concentrate sales. 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), with the exception of unit case equivalents for Costa non-ready-to-drink beverage products, which are primarily measured in number of transactions; and “unit case volume” means the number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of Company beverage products directly or indirectly sold by the Company and its bottling partners to customers or consumers. Unit case volume consists primarily of beverage products bearing Company trademarks. Also included in unit case volume are certain brands licensed to, or distributed by, our Company, and brands owned by Coca-Cola system bottlers for which our Company provides marketing support and from the sale of which we derive an economic benefit. In addition, unit case volume includes sales by certain joint ventures in which the Company has an ownership interest. We believe unit case volume is one of the indicators of the underlying strength of the Coca-Cola system because it measures demand for our products at the consumer level. The unit case volume numbers used in this report are derived based on estimates received by the Company from its bottling partners and distributors. Concentrate sales volume represents the amount of concentrates, syrups, source waters and powders/minerals (in all instances expressed in unit case equivalents) sold by, or used in finished beverages sold by, the Company to its bottling partners or other customers. For Costa non-ready-to-drink beverage products, concentrate sales volume represents the amount of beverages, primarily measured in number of transactions (in all instances expressed in unit case equivalents), sold by the Company to customers or consumers. Unit case volume and concentrate sales volume growth rates are not necessarily equal during any given period. Factors such as seasonality, bottlers’ inventory practices, supply point changes, timing of price increases, new product introductions and changes in product mix can create differences between unit case volume and concentrate sales volume growth rates. In addition to these items, the impact of unit case volume from certain joint ventures in which the Company has an ownership interest, but to which the Company does not sell concentrates, syrups, source waters or powders/minerals, may give rise to differences between unit case volume and concentrate sales volume growth rates.
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Information about our volume growth worldwide and by operating segment is as follows:
Percent Change 2024 versus 2023
Unit Cases
1,2
Concentrate Sales
Worldwide %

%
4
Europe, Middle East & Africa —  — 
Latin America
North America — 
Asia Pacific
5
Bottling Investments (23)
3
         N/A
1Bottling Investments operating segment data reflects unit case volume growth for consolidated bottlers only.
2Geographic operating segment data reflects unit case volume growth for all bottlers, both consolidated and unconsolidated, and distributors in the applicable geographic areas. Unit case volume growth for Costa retail stores is reflected in the Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment data.
3After considering the impact of structural changes, unit case volume for Bottling Investments grew 5%.
4After considering the impact of structural changes, worldwide concentrate sales volume grew 2%.
5After considering the impact of structural changes, concentrate sales volume for Asia Pacific grew 2%.
Unit Case Volume
The Coca-Cola system sold 33.7 billion and 33.3 billion unit cases of our products in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Unit case volume in Europe, Middle East and Africa was even, which included 2% growth in water, sports, coffee and tea, as well as growth in energy drinks, offset by a 1% decline in Trademark Coca-Cola and a 4% decline in juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages. Unit case volume in sparkling flavors was even. The operating segment reported growth in unit case volume of 2% in the Africa operating unit and growth in energy drinks, offset by a decline of 2% in the Eurasia and Middle East operating unit. Unit case volume performance in the Europe operating unit was even.
In Latin America, unit case volume increased 3%, which included 5% growth in Trademark Coca-Cola and 2% growth in water, sports, coffee and tea, as well as growth in energy drinks, partially offset by a 1% decline in sparkling flavors. Unit case volume in juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages was even. The operating segment’s volume performance included 8% growth in Brazil and 2% growth in Mexico, partially offset by a decline of 13% in Argentina.
Unit case volume in North America was even, which included 3% growth in juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages and 1% growth in both Trademark Coca-Cola and sparkling flavors, as well as growth in energy drinks, offset by a 4% decline in water, sports, coffee and tea.
In Asia Pacific, unit case volume increased 1%, which included 4% growth in sparkling flavors and 3% growth in Trademark Coca-Cola, as well as growth in energy drinks, partially offset by a 4% decline in water, sports, coffee and tea. Unit case volume in juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages was even. The operating segment reported growth in unit case volume of 7% in the India and Southwest Asia operating unit and 4% in both the ASEAN and South Pacific and the Japan and South Korea operating units, as well as growth in energy drinks, partially offset by a decline of 5% in the Greater China and Mongolia operating unit.
Unit case volume for Bottling Investments decreased 23%, which primarily reflects the impact of refranchising our bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India.
Concentrate Sales Volume
In 2024, worldwide concentrate sales volume and unit case volume both grew 1% compared to 2023. The differences between concentrate sales volume and unit case volume growth rates for the operating segments were primarily due to the timing of concentrate shipments and the impact of unit case volume from certain joint ventures in which the Company has an ownership interest, but to which the Company does not sell concentrates, syrups, source waters or powders/minerals.
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Net Operating Revenues
Net operating revenues were $47,061 million in 2024, compared to $45,754 million in 2023, an increase of $1,307 million, or 3%.
The following table illustrates, on a percentage basis, the estimated impact of the factors resulting in the increase (decrease) in net operating revenues on a consolidated basis and for each of our operating segments:
Percent Change 2024 versus 2023
Volume1
Price, Product & Geographic Mix Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Acquisitions & Divestitures2
Total
Consolidated % 11  % (5) % (4) % 3  %
Europe, Middle East & Africa —  13  (11) —  1 
Latin America 21  (14) —  11 
North America 10  —  —  11 
Asia Pacific (2) —  1 
Bottling Investments (2) (28) (21)
Note: Certain rows may not add due to rounding.
1Represents the percent change in net operating revenues attributable to the increase (decrease) in concentrate sales volume for our geographic operating segments (expressed in unit case equivalents) after considering the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, if any. For our Bottling Investments operating segment, this represents the percent change in net operating revenues attributable to the increase (decrease) in unit case volume after considering the impact of structural changes, if any. Our Bottling Investments operating segment data reflects unit case volume growth for consolidated bottlers only after considering the impact of structural changes, if any. Refer to the heading “Beverage Volume” above.
2Includes structural changes, if any. Refer to the heading “Structural Changes, Acquired Brands and Newly Licensed Brands” above.
Refer to the heading “Beverage Volume” above for additional information related to changes in our unit case and concentrate sales volumes.
“Price, product and geographic mix” refers to the change in net operating revenues caused by factors such as pricing actions taken by the Company and, where applicable, our bottling partners; the mix of categories, products and packages sold; and the mix of channels and geographic territories where the sales occurred. Management believes that providing investors with price, product and geographic mix enhances their understanding about the combined impact that these items had on the Company’s net operating revenues. The impact of price, product and geographic mix is calculated by subtracting the change in net operating revenues resulting from volume increases or decreases, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and acquisitions and divestitures from the total change in net operating revenues. Management uses this measure in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company’s performance.
Price, product and geographic mix had an 11% favorable impact on our consolidated net operating revenues. Price, product and geographic mix was impacted by a variety of factors and events, including, but not limited to, the following:
Europe, Middle East and Africa — favorable pricing initiatives, including inflationary pricing in Türkiye and Zimbabwe, and favorable geographic mix, partially offset by increased funding for promotional and marketing support;
Latin America — favorable pricing initiatives, including inflationary pricing in Argentina, partially offset by increased funding for promotional and marketing support;
North America — favorable pricing initiatives and package and category mix, partially offset by unfavorable channel mix and increased funding for promotional and marketing support;
Asia Pacific — favorable pricing initiatives and favorable geographic mix, partially offset by unfavorable channel, category and package mix and increased funding for promotional and marketing support; and
Bottling Investments — favorable pricing initiatives across most markets, partially offset by unfavorable geographic mix.
The favorable pricing initiatives for the year ended December 31, 2024 in all operating segments included both new and carryover pricing increases from the prior year.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates decreased our consolidated net operating revenues by 5%. This unfavorable impact was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies, including the Argentine peso, Nigerian naira, Zimbabwean dollar, Turkish lira and Japanese yen, which had an unfavorable impact on our Latin America;
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Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific operating segments. The unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar compared to the currencies listed above was partially offset by the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar compared to certain other foreign currencies, including the British pound and euro, which had a favorable impact on our Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment. Refer to the heading “Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position — Foreign Exchange” below for additional information about the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
“Acquisitions and divestitures” generally refers to acquisitions and divestitures of brands or businesses, some of which the Company considers to be structural changes. The impact of acquisitions and divestitures is the difference between the change in net operating revenues and the change in what our net operating revenues would have been if we removed the net operating revenues associated with an acquisition or a divestiture from either the current year or the prior year, as applicable. Management believes that quantifying the impact that acquisitions and divestitures had on the Company’s net operating revenues provides investors with useful information to enhance their understanding of the Company’s net operating revenue performance by improving their ability to compare our year-to-year results. Management considers the impact of acquisitions and divestitures when evaluating the Company’s performance. Refer to the heading “Structural Changes, Acquired Brands and Newly Licensed Brands” above for additional information related to acquisitions and divestitures.
Net operating revenue growth rates are impacted by sales volume; price, product and geographic mix; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; and acquisitions and divestitures. The size and timing of acquisitions and divestitures are not consistent from period to period. Based on current spot rates and our hedging coverage in place, we expect foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations will have an unfavorable impact on our full year 2025 net operating revenues.
Information about our net operating revenues by operating segment and Corporate as a percentage of Company net operating revenues is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Europe, Middle East & Africa 21.8  % 22.2  %
Latin America 13.8  12.7 
North America 40.1  37.1 
Asia Pacific 10.9  10.5 
Bottling Investments 13.2  17.2 
Corporate 0.2  0.3 
Total 100.0  % 100.0  %
The percentage contribution of each operating segment fluctuates over time due to net operating revenues in some operating segments growing at a faster rate compared to other operating segments. In addition, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impact the percentage contribution of each operating segment. For additional information about the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, refer to the heading “Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position — Foreign Exchange” below.
Gross Profit Margin
Gross profit margin is a ratio calculated by dividing gross profit by net operating revenues. Management believes gross profit margin provides investors with useful information related to the profitability of our business prior to considering all of the selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating charges incurred. Management uses this measure in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company’s performance.
Our gross profit margin increased to 61.1% in 2024 from 59.5% in 2023. This increase was primarily due to the impact of favorable pricing initiatives and the refranchising of our bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and higher commodity costs.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table sets forth the components of selling, general and administrative expenses (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Selling and distribution expenses $ 2,525  $ 2,599 
Advertising expenses 5,146  5,010 
Stock-based compensation expense 286  254 
Other operating expenses 6,625  6,109 
Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 14,582  $ 13,972 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $610 million, or 4%, in 2024. This increase was primarily due to higher advertising expenses, stock-based compensation expense and other operating expenses, partially offset by a decrease in selling and distribution expenses. The increase in other operating expenses was primarily due to increased charitable donations, higher employee costs, higher other marketing expenses and an asset impairment charge related to certain prototypes. The decrease in selling and distribution expenses was primarily due to the refranchising of our bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India, partially offset by increases in Costa expenses. In 2024, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations decreased selling, general and administrative expenses by 4%. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the impairment charge.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $234 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards granted under our plans, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years as stock-based compensation expense. This expected cost does not include the impact of any future stock-based compensation awards. Refer to Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Operating Charges
Other operating charges incurred by operating segment and Corporate were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Europe, Middle East & Africa $   $ — 
Latin America 126  — 
North America 760  26 
Asia Pacific   35 
Bottling Investments   — 
Corporate 3,277  1,890 
Total $ 4,163  $ 1,951 
In 2024, the Company recorded other operating charges of $4,163 million. These charges consisted of $3,109 million related to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with our acquisition of fairlife in 2020, $760 million related to the impairment of our BodyArmor trademark, $133 million related to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program and $126 million related to the impairment of a trademark in Latin America. In addition, other operating charges included $15 million for the amortization of noncompete agreements related to the BodyArmor acquisition in 2021, $13 million related to an indemnification agreement entered into as a part of the refranchising of certain of our bottling operations, $7 million of transaction costs related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in certain territories in India and $2 million of transaction costs related to the sale of a portion of our interest in Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (“Coke Consolidated”), an equity method investee. These charges were partially offset by a net benefit of $2 million related to a revision of management’s estimates for tax litigation expense.
In 2023, the Company recorded other operating charges of $1,951 million. These charges consisted of $1,702 million related to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition, $164 million related to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program and $35 million related to the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations in Asia Pacific. In addition, other operating charges included $27 million related to the restructuring of our North America operating unit, $15 million for the amortization of noncompete agreements related to the BodyArmor acquisition and $8 million related to tax litigation expense.
Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the refranchising of our bottling operations and the sale of a portion of our interest in Coke Consolidated. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the tax litigation. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financia
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l Statements for additional information on the fairlife contingent consideration and the impairment charges. Refer to Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s restructuring initiatives. Refer to Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the impact these charges had on our operating segments and Corporate.
Operating Income and Operating Margin
Information about our operating income contribution by operating segment and Corporate on a percentage basis is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Europe, Middle East & Africa 42.6  % 38.2  %
Latin America 38.0  30.4 
North America 45.6  41.0 
Asia Pacific 21.5  18.2 
Bottling Investments 5.0  5.1 
Corporate (52.7) (32.9)
Total 100.0  % 100.0  %
Operating margin is a ratio calculated by dividing operating income by net operating revenues. Management believes operating margin provides investors with useful information related to the profitability of our business after considering selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating charges. Management uses this measure in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company’s performance.
Information about our operating margin on a consolidated basis and by operating segment and Corporate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Consolidated 21.2  % 24.7  %
Europe, Middle East & Africa 41.4  42.6 
Latin America 58.6  58.9 
North America 24.1  27.3 
Asia Pacific 42.1  42.8 
Bottling Investments 8.0  7.4 
Corporate * *
*    Calculation is not meaningful.
Operating income was $9,992 million in 2024, compared to $11,311 million in 2023, a decrease of $1,319 million, or 12%. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by higher commodity costs; higher selling, general and administrative expenses; higher other operating charges; the impact of refranchising our bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India; and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of 11%. These items were partially offset by concentrate sales volume growth of 2% and favorable pricing initiatives.
The decrease in our operating margin on a consolidated basis was primarily due to higher commodity costs; higher selling, general and administrative expenses; higher other operating charges; and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact. The impact of these items was partially offset by favorable pricing initiatives and the impact of refranchising our bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India.
In 2024, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted consolidated operating income by 11% due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies, including the Argentine peso, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, Zimbabwean dollar, Turkish lira, Nigerian naira and Japanese yen, which had an unfavorable impact on our Latin America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific operating segments. The unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar compared to the currencies listed above was partially offset by the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar compared to certain other foreign currencies, including the euro and British pound, which had a favorable impact on our Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment. Refer to the heading “Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position — Foreign Exchange” below.
The Company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment reported operating income of $4,255 million and $4,323 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by higher commodity costs, increased marketing spending, higher operating expenses and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of 15%, partially offset by favorable pricing initiatives.
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Latin America reported operating income of $3,792 million and $3,436 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by concentrate sales volume growth of 3% and favorable pricing initiatives, partially offset by higher commodity costs, increased marketing spending, higher operating expenses, higher other operating charges and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of 17%.
Operating income for North America for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $4,556 million and $4,634 million, respectively. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by higher commodity costs, increased marketing spending, higher operating expenses and higher other operating charges, partially offset by concentrate sales volume growth of 1% and favorable pricing initiatives.
Asia Pacific’s operating income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $2,156 million and $2,057 million, respectively. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by concentrate sales volume growth of 2%, favorable pricing initiatives, lower other operating charges and the impact of acquired brands and structural changes, partially offset by higher commodity costs and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of 2%.
Bottling Investments’ operating income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $496 million and $578 million, respectively. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by the impact of refranchising our bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India, higher commodity costs, increased marketing spending, higher operating expenses, and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of 1%, partially offset by unit case volume growth of 5% and favorable pricing initiatives.
Corporate’s operating loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $5,263 million and $3,717 million, respectively. Operating loss in 2024 increased primarily as a result of higher other operating charges due to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition and higher operating expenses, partially offset by decreased marketing spending. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the fairlife contingent consideration.
Interest Income
Interest income was $988 million in 2024, compared to $907 million in 2023, an increase of $81 million, or 9%. This increase was primarily driven by higher average investment balances on our Corporate and certain international investments.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $1,656 million in 2024, compared to $1,527 million in 2023, an increase of $129 million, or 8%. This increase was primarily due to the impact of higher average long-term debt balances compared to the prior year. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Equity Income (Loss) — Net
Equity income (loss) — net represents our Company’s proportionate share of net income or loss from each of our equity method investees. In 2024, equity income was $1,770 million, compared to equity income of $1,691 million in 2023, an increase of $79 million, or 5%. The increase reflects, among other items, the impact of more favorable operating results reported by certain of our equity method investees in the current year, partially offset by the impact of the sale of our ownership interests in certain of our equity method investees and an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact. In addition, the Company recorded net charges of $92 million and $159 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which represent the Company’s proportionate share of significant operating and nonoperating items recorded by certain of our equity method investees.
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Other Income (Loss) — Net
In 2024, other income (loss) — net was income of $1,992 million. The Company recorded a net gain of $595 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in the Philippines, including the impact of post-closing adjustments, and recognized a net gain of $506 million related to the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Thailand, including the impact of post-closing adjustments. The Company also recognized a net gain of $338 million related to the sale of a portion of our interest in Coke Consolidated, a net gain of $303 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in certain territories in India, including the impact of post-closing adjustments, and a net gain of $290 million related to realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and trading debt securities as well as realized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities. Additionally, the Company recognized dividend income of $205 million and net income of $76 million related to the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost, of which $21 million was due to pension and other postretirement benefit plan settlement gains. Other income (loss) — net also included net foreign currency exchange losses of $180 million, $114 million of costs related to our trade accounts receivable factoring program and an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $34 million related to an equity method investee in Latin America.
In 2023, other income (loss) — net was income of $570 million. The Company recorded a net gain of $439 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in Vietnam, a net gain of $289 million related to realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and trading debt securities as well as realized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities, and dividend income of $208 million. Other income (loss) — net also included a net gain of $94 million related to the sale of our ownership interests in our equity method investees in Pakistan and Indonesia and a net loss of $17 million related to the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost, of which $67 million was due to pension and other postretirement benefit plan settlement losses. The Company also recorded net foreign currency exchange losses of $312 million and $83 million of costs related to our trade accounts receivable factoring program. Additionally, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $39 million related to an equity method investee in Latin America and charges of $32 million related to the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States.
Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our divestitures. Refer to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on equity and debt securities. Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States and the impairment charges.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate reflects the tax benefits of having significant operations outside the United States, which are generally taxed at rates lower than the statutory U.S. federal tax rate. As a result of employment actions and capital investments made by the Company, certain tax jurisdictions provide income tax incentive grants, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Singapore and Eswatini. The terms of these grants expire from 2025 to 2036. We anticipate that we will be able to extend or renew the grants in these locations. The decision of whether we decide to pursue the renewal of these grants and the impact of the grants going forward is dependent on various factors. Tax incentive grants favorably impacted our income tax expense by $346 million and $332 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, our effective tax rate reflects the benefits of having significant earnings generated in investments accounted for under the equity method.
A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate and our effective tax rate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate 21.0  % 21.0  %
State and local income taxes — net of federal benefit 1.1  1.1 
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory U.S. federal tax rate 1.0  (0.3)
Equity income or loss (2.6) (2.1)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation (0.5) (0.3)
Other — net (1.4) (2.0)
Effective tax rate 18.6  % 17.4  %
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On November 18, 2020, the Tax Court issued the Opinion regarding the Company’s 2015 litigation with the IRS involving transfer pricing tax adjustments in which it predominantly sided with the IRS. On November 8, 2023, the Tax Court issued a supplemental opinion, siding with the IRS in concluding both that the blocked-income regulations apply to the Company’s operations and that the Tax Court opinion in 3M Co. & Subs. v. Commissioner (February 9, 2023) controlled as to the validity of those regulations. The Company strongly disagrees with the Opinions and intends to vigorously defend its positions. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of December 31, 2024, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $880 million. If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the net effect would be a benefit of $607 million, exclusive of any benefits related to interest and penalties. The remaining $273 million primarily represents tax benefits that would be received in different tax jurisdictions in the event the Company did not prevail on all uncertain tax positions.
A reconciliation of the changes in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 929  $ 926 
Increase related to prior period tax positions 33 
Decrease related to prior period tax positions (52) (25)
Increase related to current period tax positions 30  32 
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities (57) — 
Decrease due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations   (2)
Effect of foreign currency translation (3) (4)
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 880  $ 929 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the line item income taxes in our consolidated statement of income. The Company had $631 million and $544 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Of these amounts, expense of $87 million and $48 million was recognized in 2024 and 2023, respectively. If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the reversal of this accrual would be a benefit to the Company’s effective tax rate.
Based on current tax laws, including the impact of several countries enacting global minimum tax regulations, the Company’s effective tax rate in 2025 is expected to be approximately 20.8% before considering the potential impact of any significant operating and nonoperating items that may affect our effective tax rate. This rate does not include the impact of the ongoing tax litigation with the IRS, if the Company were not to prevail.
Many jurisdictions have enacted legislation and adopted policies resulting from the OECD’s Anti-Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. The OECD is currently coordinating a two-pillared project on behalf of the G20 and other participating countries which would grant additional taxing rights over profits earned by multinational enterprises to the countries in which their products are sold and services rendered. Pillar One would allow countries to reallocate a portion of profits earned by multinational businesses with an annual global revenue exceeding €20 billion and a profit margin of over 10% to applicable market jurisdictions. While the OECD issued draft language for the international implementation of Pillar One in October 2023, both the substantive rules and implementation process remain under discussion at the OECD so the timetable for any implementation remains uncertain.
In December 2021, the OECD issued Pillar Two model rules which would establish a global per-country minimum tax of 15%, and the European Union has approved a directive requiring member states to incorporate similar provisions into their respective domestic laws. The directive requires, with certain limited exceptions, the rules to initially become effective for fiscal years starting on or after December 31, 2023. Numerous countries have enacted legislation that implemented certain aspects of Pillar Two effective January 1, 2024, while many others have indicated their intent to adopt, or have adopted, legislation effective in 2025. The OECD and implementing countries are expected to continue to make further revisions to their legislation and release additional guidance. The Company will continue to monitor developments to determine any potential impact in the countries in which we operate.
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LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL POSITION
We believe our ability to generate cash flows from operating activities is one of the fundamental strengths of our business. Refer to the heading “Cash Flows from Operating Activities” below. The Company does not typically raise capital through the issuance of stock. Instead, we use debt financing to lower our overall cost of capital and increase our return on shareowners’ equity. Refer to the heading “Cash Flows from Financing Activities” below. We have a history of borrowing funds both domestically and internationally at reasonable interest rates, and we expect to be able to continue to borrow funds at reasonable rates over the long term. Our debt financing also includes the use of a commercial paper program. We currently have the ability to borrow funds in this market at levels that are consistent with our debt financing strategy, and we expect to continue to be able to do so in the future. The Company regularly reviews its optimal mix of short-term and long-term debt.
The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and marketable securities totaled $14.6 billion as of December 31, 2024. In addition to these funds, our commercial paper program and our ability to issue long-term debt, we had $4.6 billion in unused backup lines of credit for general corporate purposes as of December 31, 2024. These backup lines of credit expire at various times through 2029.
Our current payment terms with the majority of our suppliers are 120 days. Certain financial institutions offer a voluntary supply chain finance program which enables our suppliers, at their sole discretion, to sell their receivables from the Company to these financial institutions on a non-recourse basis at a rate that leverages our credit rating and thus may be more beneficial to them. We do not believe there is a risk that our payment terms will be shortened in the near future. Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company has a trade accounts receivable factoring program in certain countries. Under this program, we can elect to sell trade accounts receivables to unaffiliated financial institutions at a discount. In these factoring arrangements, for ease of administration, the Company collects customer payments related to the factored receivables and remits those payments to the financial institutions. The Company sold $21,873 million and $17,704 million of trade accounts receivables under this program during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The costs of factoring such receivables were $114 million and $83 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The cash received from the financial institutions is classified within the operating activities section in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
Our current capital allocation priorities are as follows: investing wisely to support our business operations, continuing to grow our dividend payment, enhancing our beverage portfolio and capabilities through consumer-centric acquisitions, and using excess cash to repurchase shares over time. We currently expect 2025 capital expenditures to be approximately $2.2 billion. During 2025, we also expect to repurchase shares to offset dilution resulting from employee stock-based compensation plans.
We are currently in litigation with the IRS for tax years 2007 through 2009. On November 18, 2020, the Tax Court issued the Opinion in which it predominantly sided with the IRS. On November 8, 2023, the Tax Court issued a supplemental opinion, siding with the IRS in concluding both that certain U.S. tax regulations (known as the blocked-income regulations) that address the effect of certain Brazilian legal restrictions on royalty payments by the Company’s licensee in Brazil apply to the Company’s operations and that the Tax Court opinion in 3M Co. & Subs. v. Commissioner (February 9, 2023) controlled as to the validity of those regulations. On August 2, 2024, the Tax Court entered a decision reflecting additional federal income tax of $2.7 billion for the 2007 through 2009 tax years. With applicable interest, the total liability for the 2007 through 2009 tax years resulting from the Tax Court’s decision is $6.0 billion, for which the IRS issued the Company invoices on September 3, 2024. The Company paid the IRS Tax Litigation Deposit on September 10, 2024, which stopped interest from accruing on the additional tax due for the 2007 through 2009 tax years. That amount, plus interest earned, would be refunded in full or in part if the Company’s tax positions are ultimately sustained on appeal. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded net interest income of $77 million related to this tax payment in the line item income taxes in our consolidated statement of income, in accordance with our accounting policy. The payment of the IRS invoices and the related accrued interest were recorded in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. On October 22, 2024, the Company appealed the Tax Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Company strongly disagrees with the IRS’ positions and the portions of the Opinions affirming such positions and intends to vigorously defend our positions utilizing every available avenue of appeal. While the Company believes that it is more likely than not that we will ultimately prevail in this litigation upon appeal, it is possible that all, or some portion of, the adjustments proposed by the IRS and sustained by the Tax Court could ultimately be upheld. In that event, the Company would not receive a refund of the applicable portion or all of the $6.0 billion it paid in response to the IRS invoices issued in September 2024 and the related accrued interest receivable of $103 million as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, the Company would likely be subject to significant additional liabilities for subsequent years, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company estimates that the potential aggregate remaining incremental tax and interest liability for the tax years 2010 through 2024 could be approximately $12 billion as of December 31, 2024. Additional income tax and interest on any unpaid potential liabilities for the 2010 through 2024 tax years wo
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uld continue to accrue until the time any such potential liability, or portion thereof, were to be paid. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the tax litigation.
While we believe it is more likely than not that we will prevail in the tax litigation discussed above, we are confident that, between our ability to generate cash flows from operating activities and our ability to borrow funds at reasonable interest rates, we can manage the range of possible outcomes in the final resolution of the matter.
Based on all of the aforementioned factors, the Company believes its current liquidity position is strong and will continue to be sufficient to fund our operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $6,805 million and $11,599 million, respectively, a decrease of $4,794 million, or 41%. This decrease was primarily driven by the $6.0 billion IRS Tax Litigation Deposit, an unfavorable impact due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, higher other tax payments, increased charitable donations, and the reduced operating cash flows resulting from the refranchising of our bottling operations. The decrease was also impacted by additional annual incentive payments in the current year due to improved business performance in the prior year. These items were partially offset by strong cash operating results, the transfer of surplus international plan assets from pension trusts to general assets of the Company, payments in the prior year resulting from the buildup of inventory to manage potential supply chain disruptions, increased dividend payments from our equity method investees, and $167 million of the $275 million milestone payment for fairlife in the prior year. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the refranchising of our bottling operations. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the tax litigation. Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the pension transfer. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the milestone payment for fairlife.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $2,524 million in 2024 and net cash used in investing activities was $3,349 million in 2023.
Purchases of Investments and Proceeds from Disposals of Investments
In 2024, purchases of investments were $5,640 million and proceeds from disposals of investments were $6,589 million, resulting in a net cash inflow of $949 million. In 2023, purchases of investments were $6,698 million and proceeds from disposals of investments were $4,354 million, resulting in a net cash outflow of $2,344 million. This activity primarily represents the purchases of, and proceeds from the disposals of, investments in marketable securities and short-term investments that were made as part of the Company’s overall cash management strategy. Also included in this activity are purchases of, and proceeds from the disposals of, investments held by our captive insurance companies.
Acquisitions of Businesses, Equity Method Investments and Nonmarketable Securities
In 2024 and 2023, the Company’s acquisitions of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities totaled $315 million and $62 million, respectively.
Proceeds from Disposals of Businesses, Equity Method Investments and Nonmarketable Securities
In 2024 and 2023, proceeds from disposals of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities totaled $3,485 million and $430 million, respectively. The activity during 2024 primarily related to the refranchising of certain of our bottling operations and sales of our ownership interests in certain equity method investees. The activity during 2023 primarily related to sales of our ownership interests in certain equity method investees. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment
Purchases of property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $2,064 million and $1,852 million, respectively.
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Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment and the percentage of such totals by operating segment and Corporate were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Capital expenditures $ 2,064  $ 1,852 
Europe, Middle East & Africa 10.7  % 12.7  %
Latin America   — 
North America 29.2  22.3 
Asia Pacific 0.9  1.2 
Bottling Investments 35.6  45.5 
Corporate 23.6  18.3 
Collateral (Paid) Received Associated with Hedging Activities — Net
Collateral received associated with our hedging activities during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $235 million and $366 million, respectively. Refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our hedging activities.
Other Investing Activities
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total cash inflow for other investing activities was $194 million and $39 million, respectively. The activity during 2024 included the receipt of a $100 million installment payment on the note receivable related to the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Pakistan in 2023 and the collection of $69 million of deferred proceeds related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in Vietnam. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these transactions.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $6,910 million and $8,310 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Loans, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
Our Company maintains debt levels we consider prudent based on our cash flows, 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. This exposes us to adverse changes in interest rates. Our interest expense may also be affected by our credit ratings.
As of December 31, 2024, our long-term debt was rated “A+” by Standard & Poor’s and “A1” by Moody’s. Our commercial paper program was rated “A-1” by Standard & Poor’s and “P-1” by Moody’s. In assessing our credit strength, both rating agencies consider our capital structure (including the amount and maturity dates of our debt) and financial policies as well as the consolidated balance sheet and other financial information of the Company. In addition, certain rating agencies also consider the financial information of certain bottlers, including CCEP, Coke Consolidated, Coca-Cola FEMSA and Coca-Cola Hellenic. 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. It is our expectation that these rating agencies will continue using this methodology. If our credit ratings were to be downgraded as a result of changes in our capital structure, our major bottlers’ financial performance, changes in the credit rating agencies’ methodology in assessing our credit strength, or for any other reason, our cost of borrowing could increase. Additionally, if certain bottlers’ credit ratings were to decline, the Company’s equity income could be reduced as a result of the potential increase in interest expense for those bottlers.
We monitor our financial ratios and, as indicated above, the rating agencies consider these ratios in assessing our credit ratings. Each rating agency employs a different aggregation methodology and has different thresholds for the various financial ratios. These thresholds are not necessarily permanent, nor are they always 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 borrow funds at a low effective cost. This posture, coupled with active management of our mix of short-term and long-term debt as well as our mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt, results in a lower overall cost of borrowing. Our debt management policies, in conjunction with our share repurchase program and investment activity, can result in current liabilities exceeding current assets.
During 2024, the Company had issuances of debt of $12,061 million, which included $3,309 million of issuances of commercial paper and short-term debt with maturities greater than 90 days and long-term debt issuances of $8,752 million, net of related discounts and issuance costs.
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During 2024, the Company made payments of debt of $9,533 million, which consisted of $1,269 million of net payments of commercial paper and short-term debt with maturities of 90 days or less, $5,276 million of payments related to commercial paper and short-term debt with maturities greater than 90 days, and payments of long-term debt of $2,988 million. During 2024, the Company extinguished $485 million of long-term debt prior to maturity. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
During 2023, the Company had issuances of debt of $6,891 million, which included $6,436 million of issuances of commercial paper and short-term debt with maturities greater than 90 days, $222 million of net issuances of commercial paper and short-term debt with maturities of 90 days or less, and long-term debt issuances of $233 million, net of related discounts and issuance costs.
During 2023, the Company made payments of debt of $5,034 million, which consisted of $4,591 million of payments related to commercial paper and short-term debt with maturities greater than 90 days and payments of long-term debt of $443 million.
On December 31, 2021, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, the governing body responsible for regulating the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), ceased to publish certain LIBOR reference rates. However, other LIBOR reference rates, including U.S. dollar overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month maturities, continued to be published through June 2023. As a result of the discontinuation of LIBOR, we have amended our LIBOR-referencing agreements to either reference the Secured Overnight Financing Rate or include mechanics for selecting an alternative rate. Refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our hedging activities.
Issuances of Stock
The issuances of stock in 2024 and 2023 were related to the exercise of stock options by employees.
Purchases of Stock for Treasury
In 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase plan of up to 150 million shares (“2019 Plan”) of the Company’s common stock.
During 2024, the total cash outflow for treasury stock purchases was $1,795 million. The Company repurchased 26.5 million shares of common stock under the 2019 Plan. These shares were repurchased at an average price per share of $63.91, for a total cost of $1,694 million. The net impact of the Company’s issuances of stock and treasury stock purchases during 2024 resulted in a net cash outflow of $1,048 million.
During 2023, the total cash outflow for treasury stock purchases was $2,289 million. The Company repurchased 36.9 million shares of common stock under the 2019 Plan. These shares were repurchased at an average price per share of $59.08, for a total cost of $2,177 million. The net impact of the Company’s issuances of stock and treasury stock purchases during 2023 resulted in a net cash outflow of $1,750 million.
Since the inception of our share repurchase program in 1984, we have repurchased 3.6 billion shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $18.30. In addition to shares repurchased under the share repurchase plans authorized by our Board of Directors, the Company’s treasury stock activity also includes shares 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.
Dividends
The Company paid dividends of $8,359 million and $7,952 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
At its February 2025 meeting, our Board of Directors increased our regular quarterly dividend to $0.51 per share, equivalent to a full year dividend of $2.04 per share in 2025. This is our 63rd consecutive annual increase. Our annualized common stock dividend was $1.94 per share and $1.84 per share in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Other Financing Activities
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total cash outflow for other financing activities was $31 million and $465 million, respectively. The activities during 2023 included $108 million of the $275 million milestone payment for fairlife and payments totaling $311 million related to the BodyArmor acquisition, which included amounts originally held back for indemnification obligations. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the milestone payment for fairlife.
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Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s contractual obligations, including payments due by period, were as follows (in millions):
Payments Due by Period
Total 2025 2026-2027 2028-2029 2030 and
Thereafter
Loans and notes payable:1
       
Commercial paper borrowings $ 1,139  $ 1,139  $ —  $ —  $ — 
Lines of credit and other short-term borrowings 360  360  —  —  — 
Current maturities of long-term debt2
648  648  —  —  — 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities2
46,176  —  6,925  5,693  33,558 
Estimated interest payments3
18,643  1,115  1,835  1,581  14,112 
Accrued income taxes4
1,414  1,387  27  —  — 
Purchase obligations5
25,745  15,287  6,383  2,593  1,482 
Marketing obligations6
3,401  2,237  706  298  160 
Lease obligations 2,198  424  655  428  691 
Acquisition obligations7
6,172  6,172  —  —  — 
Held-for-sale and related obligations8
10  10  —  —  — 
Total contractual obligations $ 105,906  $ 28,779  $ 16,531  $ 10,593  $ 50,003 
1Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding loans and notes payable. Upon payment of outstanding commercial paper, we typically issue new commercial paper. Lines of credit and other short-term borrowings are expected to fluctuate depending upon current liquidity needs, especially at international subsidiaries.
2Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding long-term debt. We will consider several alternatives for settling this long-term debt, including the use of cash flows from operating activities, issuance of commercial paper or issuance of other long-term debt. The table above shows expected cash payments to be made by the Company and excludes the noncash portion of debt, including any fair value adjustments, unamortized discounts and premiums.
3We calculated estimated interest payments for our long-term debt based on the applicable rates and payment dates. For our variable-rate debt, we have assumed the December 31, 2024 rate for all periods presented. We expect to fund such interest payments with cash flows from operating activities and/or short-term borrowings.
4Refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes. Accrued income taxes include $1,185 million related to the one-time transition tax required by the Tax Reform Act. Liabilities of $1,515 million for unrecognized tax benefits plus accrued interest and penalties are not included in the total above. Currently, the settlement period for the unrecognized tax benefits cannot be determined. In addition, any payments related to unrecognized tax benefits may be partially or fully offset by reductions in payments in other jurisdictions.
5Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms. These agreements include long-term contractual obligations, open purchase orders, accounts payable and certain accrued liabilities. We expect to fund these purchase obligations with cash flows from operating activities.
6We expect to fund these marketing obligations with cash flows from operating activities.
7Primarily represents our contingent consideration liability related to our acquisition of fairlife. Refer to Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
8Represents liabilities and contractual obligations that were classified as held for sale related to certain bottling operations in India. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The total accrued liability for pension and other postretirement benefit plans recognized as of December 31, 2024 was $945 million. Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This amount is impacted by, among other items, net periodic benefit cost or income, plan funding levels, plan amendments, changes in plan demographics and assumptions, and the investment return on plan assets. Because the accrued liability does not represent expected liquidity needs, we did not include this amount in the table above.
We expect to make all contributions to our pension trusts with cash flows from operating activities. Our pension plans are generally funded in accordance with local laws and tax regulations. The Company expects to contribute approximately $30 million in 2025 to our pension trusts, all of which will be allocated to our international plans. Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We did not include our estimated contributions to our pension trusts in the table above.
As of December 31, 2024, the projected benefit obligation of the U.S. qualified pension plan was $3,869 million, and the fair value of the plan assets was $3,761 million. The projected benefit obligation of all pension plans other than the U.S. qualified pensio
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n plan was $2,176 million, and the fair value of the plans’ assets was $2,674 million. The Company sponsors various unfunded pension plans outside the United States as well as unfunded nonqualified pension plans covering certain U.S. employees. These U.S. nonqualified pension plans provide benefits that are not permitted to be funded through a qualified plan because of limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The expected benefit payments for these unfunded pension plans are not included in the table above. However, we anticipate benefit payments for these unfunded pension plans will be approximately $65 million for 2025. Thereafter, the expected annual benefit payments will gradually decline. Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In general, we are self-insured for large portions of many different types of claims; however, we do use commercial insurance above our self-insured retentions to reduce the Company’s risk of catastrophic loss. Our reserves for the Company’s self-insured losses are estimated using actuarial methods and assumptions of the insurance industry, adjusted for our specific expectations based on our claims history. As of December 31, 2024, our self-insurance reserves totaled $168 million. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We did not include estimated payments related to our self-insurance reserves in the table above.
Deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were $2,469 million. Refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This amount is not included in the table above because we believe that presentation would not be meaningful. Deferred income tax liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their respective book bases, which will result in taxable amounts in future years when the underlying assets or liabilities are settled at their reported financial statement amounts. The results of these calculations do not have a direct connection with the amount of cash taxes to be paid in any future years. 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.
As of December 31, 2024, we were contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties of $766 million, of which $82 million was related to VIEs. Our guarantees are primarily related to third-party customers, bottlers and vendors and arose through the normal course of business. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees is individually significant. These amounts represent the maximum potential future payments that we could be required to make under the guarantees. However, management has concluded that the likelihood of any significant amounts being paid by our Company under these guarantees is remote. As of December 31, 2024, we were not directly liable for the debt of any unconsolidated entity.
Foreign Exchange
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 as well as to fluctuations in currencies. Due to the geographic diversity of our operations, weakness in some currencies may be offset by strength in other currencies over time.
In 2024 and 2023, our operating income was impacted by the weighted-average fluctuations in exchange rates for foreign currencies in which the Company conducted operations (all operating currencies) and for certain individual currencies. These currencies strengthened (weakened) against the U.S. dollar as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
All operating currencies (5) % (2) %
Australian dollar (1) (5)
Brazilian real (7)
British pound 3 
Chinese yuan (2) (7)
Euro  
Indian rupee (1) (6)
Japanese yen (7) (7)
Mexican peso (3) 14 
Philippine peso (3) (3)
South African rand 1  (11)
The percentages in the table above do not include the effects of our hedging activities and, therefore, do not reflect the actual impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on our operating results. Our hedging activities are designed to mitigate, over time, a portion of the potentially unfavorable impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our net income.
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The total impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on net operating revenues, including the effect of our hedging activities, was a decrease of 5% and 4% in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The total impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on operating income, including the effect of our hedging activities, was a decrease of 11% and 8% in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Foreign currency exchange gains and losses are primarily the result of the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities from certain currencies into functional currencies. The effects of the remeasurement of these assets and liabilities are partially offset by the impact of our economic hedging program for certain exposures on our consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses are recorded in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income. Refer to the heading “Operations Review — Other Income (Loss) — Net” above. The Company recorded net foreign currency exchange losses of $180 million and $312 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
Inflation affects the way we operate in many markets around the world. In general, we believe that, over time, we will be 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.
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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Table of Contents
Page 
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions except per share data)

Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Net Operating Revenues $ 47,061  $ 45,754  $ 43,004 
Cost of goods sold 18,324  18,520  18,000 
Gross Profit 28,737  27,234  25,004 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 14,582  13,972  12,880 
Other operating charges 4,163  1,951  1,215 
Operating Income 9,992  11,311  10,909 
Interest income 988  907  449 
Interest expense 1,656  1,527  882 
Equity income (loss) — net 1,770  1,691  1,472 
Other income (loss) — net 1,992  570  (262)
Income Before Income Taxes 13,086  12,952  11,686 
Income taxes 2,437  2,249  2,115 
Consolidated Net Income 10,649  10,703  9,571 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 18  (11) 29 
Net Income Attributable to Shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company $ 10,631  $ 10,714  $ 9,542 
Basic Net Income Per Share1
$ 2.47  $ 2.48  $ 2.20 
Diluted Net Income Per Share1
$ 2.46  $ 2.47  $ 2.19 
Average Shares Outstanding — Basic 4,309  4,323  4,328 
Effect of dilutive securities 11  16  22 
Average Shares Outstanding — Diluted 4,320  4,339  4,350 
1 Calculated based on net income attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company.
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Consolidated Net Income $ 10,649  $ 10,703  $ 9,571 
Other Comprehensive Income:
Net foreign currency translation adjustments (2,893) 736  (1,132)
Net gains (losses) on derivatives 270  (178) 4 
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities (63) 24  37 
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities 109  (109) 408 
Total Comprehensive Income 8,072  11,176  8,888 
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 9  (158) (89)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Shareowners of
   The Coca-Cola Company
$ 8,063  $ 11,334  $ 8,977 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions except par value)

December 31, 2024 2023
ASSETS
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,828  $ 9,366 
Short-term investments 2,020  2,997 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments 12,848  12,363 
Marketable securities 1,723  1,300 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $506 and $502, respectively
3,569  3,410 
Inventories 4,728  4,424 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,129  5,235 
Total Current Assets 25,997  26,732 
Equity method investments 18,087  19,671 
Deferred income tax assets 1,319  1,561 
Property, plant and equipment — net 10,303  9,236 
Trademarks with indefinite lives 13,301  14,349 
Goodwill 18,139  18,358 
Other noncurrent assets 13,403  7,796 
Total Assets $ 100,549  $ 97,703 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 21,715  $ 15,485 
Loans and notes payable 1,499  4,557 
Current maturities of long-term debt 648  1,960 
Accrued income taxes 1,387  1,569 
Total Current Liabilities 25,249  23,571 
Long-term debt 42,375  35,547 
Other noncurrent liabilities 4,084  8,466 
Deferred income tax liabilities 2,469  2,639 
The Coca-Cola Company Shareowners’ Equity    
Common stock, $0.25 par value; authorized — 11,200 shares; issued — 7,040 shares
1,760  1,760 
Capital surplus 19,801  19,209 
Reinvested earnings 76,054  73,782 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (16,843) (14,275)
Treasury stock, at cost — 2,738 and 2,732 shares, respectively
(55,916) (54,535)
Equity Attributable to Shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company 24,856  25,941 
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,516  1,539 
Total Equity 26,372  27,480 
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 100,549  $ 97,703 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Operating Activities    
Consolidated net income $ 10,649  $ 10,703  $ 9,571 
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,075  1,128  1,260 
Stock-based compensation expense 286  254  356 
Deferred income taxes (11) (2) (122)
Equity (income) loss — net of dividends (802) (1,019) (838)
Foreign currency adjustments (110) 175  203 
Significant (gains) losses — net (1,737) (492) (129)
Other operating charges 4,000  1,741  1,086 
Other items (311) (43) 236 
Net change in operating assets and liabilities (6,234) (846) (605)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 6,805  11,599  11,018 
Investing Activities    
Purchases of investments (5,640) (6,698) (3,751)
Proceeds from disposals of investments 6,589  4,354  4,771 
Acquisitions of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities (315) (62) (73)
Proceeds from disposals of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities 3,485  430  458 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (2,064) (1,852) (1,484)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment 40  74  75 
Collateral (paid) received associated with hedging activities — net 235  366  (1,465)
Other investing activities 194  39  706 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities 2,524  (3,349) (763)
Financing Activities    
Issuances of loans, notes payable and long-term debt 12,061  6,891  3,972 
Payments of loans, notes payable and long-term debt (9,533) (5,034) (4,930)
Issuances of stock 747  539  837 
Purchases of stock for treasury (1,795) (2,289) (1,418)
Dividends (8,359) (7,952) (7,616)
Other financing activities (31) (465) (1,095)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (6,910) (8,310) (10,250)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and
   Restricted Cash Equivalents
(623) (73) (205)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents    
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash
   equivalents during the year
1,796  (133) (200)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year 9,692  9,825  10,025 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents at End of Year 11,488  9,692  9,825 
Less: Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of year 660  326  306 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 10,828  $ 9,366  $ 9,519 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
(In millions except per share data)

2024 2023 2022
Equity Attributable to Shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company      
    Number of Common Shares Outstanding      
   Balance at beginning of year 4,308  4,328  4,325 
Treasury stock issued to employees related to stock-based compensation plans 21  17  24 
Purchases of stock for treasury (27) (37) (21)
   Balance at end of year 4,302  4,308  4,328 
    Common Stock $ 1,760  $ 1,760  $ 1,760 
    Capital Surplus      
   Balance at beginning of year 19,209  18,822  18,116 
Stock issued to employees related to stock-based compensation plans 319  177  373 
Stock-based compensation expense 273  233  332 
Acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners   (20)  
Other activities   (3) 1 
   Balance at end of year 19,801  19,209  18,822 
    Reinvested Earnings      
   Balance at beginning of year 73,782  71,019  69,094 
Net income attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company 10,631  10,714  9,542 
Dividends (per share — $1.94, $1.84 and $1.76 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively)
(8,359) (7,951) (7,617)
   Balance at end of year 76,054  73,782  71,019 
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
   Balance at beginning of year (14,275) (14,895) (14,330)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) (2,568) 620  (565)
   Balance at end of year (16,843) (14,275) (14,895)
    Treasury Stock      
   Balance at beginning of year (54,535) (52,601) (51,641)
Treasury stock issued to employees related to stock-based compensation plans 321  255  376 
Purchases of stock for treasury
(1,702) (2,189) (1,336)
   Balance at end of year (55,916) (54,535) (52,601)
Total Equity Attributable to Shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company $ 24,856  $ 25,941  $ 24,105 
Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests      
   Balance at beginning of year $ 1,539  $ 1,721  $ 1,861 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 18  (11) 29 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments (9) (147) (118)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (28) (25) (51)
Acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners   (2)  
Divestitures (4)    
        Other activities   3   
Total Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests $ 1,516  $ 1,539  $ 1,721 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
When used in these notes, the terms “The Coca-Cola Company,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean The Coca-Cola Company and all entities included in our consolidated financial statements.
Description of Business
The Coca-Cola Company is a total beverage company. We own or license and market numerous beverage brands, which we group into the following categories: Trademark Coca-Cola; sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee and tea; juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages; and emerging beverages. We own and market several of the world’s largest nonalcoholic sparkling soft drink brands, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta and Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light. Finished beverage products bearing our trademarks, sold in the United States since 1886, are now sold in more than 200 countries and territories.
We make our branded beverage products available to consumers throughout the world through our network of independent bottling partners, distributors, wholesalers and retailers as well as the Company’s consolidated bottling and distribution operations. Beverages bearing trademarks owned by or licensed to us account for 2.2 billion of the estimated 65 billion servings of all beverages consumed worldwide every day.
Effective January 1, 2025, we sunset our Global Ventures operating segment to streamline and simplify our operating structure. The Global Ventures operating segment was established in 2019 primarily to oversee the Company’s ownership of Costa Limited (“Costa”), innocent and doğadan, as well as the fees earned pursuant to distribution coordination agreements between the Company and Monster Beverage Corporation (“Monster”). The results of the Costa (excluding the ready-to-drink business), innocent and doğadan businesses are now reported within the Company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment. The results of Costa’s ready-to-drink business and the fees related to Monster are now reported within the applicable geographic operating segments.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). 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 these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.
Principles of Consolidation
Our Company consolidates all entities that we control by ownership of a majority voting interest. Additionally, there are situations in which consolidation is required even though the usual condition of consolidation (i.e., ownership of a majority voting interest) does not apply. Generally, this occurs when an entity holds an interest in another business enterprise that was achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests, which results in a disproportionate relationship between such entity’s voting interests in, and its exposure to the economic risks and potential rewards of, the other business enterprise. This disproportionate relationship results in what is known as a variable interest, and the entity in which another entity holds a variable interest is referred to as a “VIE.” An enterprise must consolidate a VIE if it is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary has both (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Our Company holds interests in certain VIEs, primarily bottling operations, for which we were not determined to be the primary beneficiary. Our variable interests in these VIEs primarily relate to equity investments, profit guarantees or subordinated financial support. Refer to Note 12. Although these financial arrangements resulted in our holding variable interests in these entities, they did not empower us to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. Our Company’s investments, plus any loans and guarantees, and other subordinated financial support related to these VIEs totaled $1,680 million and $1,225 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, representing our maximum exposures to loss. The Company’s investments, plus any loans and guarantees, related to these VIEs were not individually significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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In addition, our Company holds interests in certain VIEs, primarily bottling operations, for which we were determined to be the primary beneficiary. As a result, we have consolidated these entities. Our Company’s investments, plus any loans and guarantees, related to these VIEs totaled $87 million and $88 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, representing our maximum exposures to loss. The assets and liabilities of VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary were not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Creditors of our VIEs do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company, regardless of whether the VIEs are accounted for as consolidated entities.
We use the equity method to account for investments in companies if our investment provides us with the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Our consolidated net income includes our Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. Our judgment regarding the level of influence over each equity method investee includes considering key factors, such as our ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions, other commercial arrangements and material intercompany transactions.
We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions, including the intercompany transactions with consolidated VIEs and the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.
Revenue Recognition
Our Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of the contracts with our customers are satisfied. Our performance obligation generally consists of the promise to sell concentrates, syrups or finished products to our bottling partners, wholesalers, distributors or retailers. Refer to Note 3. 
Advertising Costs
Our Company expenses production costs of print, radio, television and other advertisements as of the first date the advertisements take place. All other marketing expenditures are expensed in the annual period in which the expenditure is incurred. Advertising costs included in the line item selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income were $5 billion, $5 billion and $4 billion in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, advertising and production costs of $25 million and $43 million, respectively, were primarily recorded in the line item prepaid expenses and other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs related to the movement of goods from our manufacturing locations to our sales distribution centers are included in the line item cost of goods sold in our consolidated statement of income. Shipping and handling costs incurred to move goods from our manufacturing locations or sales distribution centers to our customers are also included in the line item cost of goods sold in our consolidated statement of income, except for costs incurred to distribute goods sold by our consolidated bottlers to our customers, which are included in the line item selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income. Our customers generally do not pay us separately for shipping and handling costs. We recognize the cost of shipping and handling activities that are performed after a customer obtains control of the goods as costs to fulfill our promise to provide goods to the customer. As a result of this election, the Company does not evaluate whether shipping and handling activities are services promised to customers. If revenue is recognized for the related goods before the shipping and handling activities occur, the related costs of those shipping and handling activities are accrued.
Sales, Use, Value-Added and Excise Taxes
The Company collects taxes imposed directly on its customers related to sales, use, value-added, excise and other similar taxes. The Company then remits such taxes on behalf of its customers to the applicable governmental authorities. We exclude from net operating revenues the tax amounts imposed on revenue-producing transactions that were collected from our customers to be remitted to governmental authorities. Accordingly, such tax amounts are recorded in the line item trade accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheet when collection of taxes from the customer has not yet occurred and are recorded in the line item accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet until they are remitted to the applicable governmental authorities. Taxes imposed directly on the Company, whether based on receipts from sales, inventory procurement costs or manufacturing activities, are recorded in the line item cost of goods sold in our consolidated statement of income.
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Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed similarly to basic net income per share, except that it includes the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities were exercised. We excluded 3 million, 8 million and 8 million stock options from the computation of diluted net income per share in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, because the stock options would have been antidilutive.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
We classify time deposits and other investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents or restricted cash equivalents, as applicable. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents generally consist of amounts held by our captive insurance companies, which are included in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheet. We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through specific minimum credit standards, diversification of counterparties and procedures to monitor our concentrations of credit risk.
The following table provides a summary of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents that constitute the total amounts shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,828  $ 9,366  $ 9,519 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents1,2
660  326  306 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 11,488  $ 9,692  $ 9,825 
1Amounts include cash and cash equivalents in our solvency capital portfolio, which are included in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 4.
2Amounts include cash and cash equivalents related to assets held for sale, which are included in the line item prepaid expenses and other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 2.
Investments
We classify time deposits and other investments that have maturities of greater than three months but less than one year as short-term investments.
We measure all equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value with the change in fair value included in net income. We use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For equity securities without readily determinable fair values, we have elected the measurement alternative under which we measure these investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Management assesses each of these investments on an individual basis. Our investments in debt securities are carried at either amortized cost or fair value. Investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost and classified as held-to-maturity. Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held-to-maturity are carried at fair value and classified as either trading or available-for-sale. Refer to Note 4 for additional information on our policy for investments, which includes our assessment of impairments.
We invest in limited partnerships that receive tax credits and other tax benefits by constructing, owning and operating alternative energy generation facilities. Investments of this nature are included in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheet. We generate a return through the receipt of tax credits, other tax benefits and cash distributions. We have elected to apply the proportional amortization method (“PAM”) of accounting to these investments. In accordance with PAM accounting, the Company amortizes the cost of its investments in the line item income taxes in our consolidated statement of income based on the proportion of the income tax benefits received during the period to the total income tax benefits expected to be received over the life of the investments. The income tax credits and other income tax benefits earned reduce our income tax payments and are recorded in the line item net change in operating assets and liabilities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Refer to Note 15 for additional information on these investments.
Trade Accounts Receivable
We record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any expected loss on the trade accounts receivable balances and charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on available relevant information, in addition to historical loss information, the level of past-due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and our relationships with, and the economic status of, our bottling partners and customers. We believe our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diverse geographic areas covered by our operations.
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The Company has a trade accounts receivable factoring program in certain countries. Under this program, we can elect to sell trade accounts receivables to unaffiliated financial institutions at a discount. In these factoring arrangements, for ease of administration, the Company collects customer payments related to the factored receivables and remits those payments to the financial institutions. The Company sold $21,873 million and $17,704 million of trade accounts receivables under this program during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The costs of factoring such receivables were $114 million and $83 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company accounts for this program as a sale, and accordingly, the trade receivables sold are excluded from the line item trade accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheet. The cash received from the financial institutions is classified within the operating activities section in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of raw materials and packaging (which include ingredients and supplies) and finished goods (which include concentrates and syrups in our concentrate operations and finished beverages in our finished product operations). Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine cost on the basis of the average cost or first-in, first-out methods.
Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Raw materials and packaging $ 2,794  $ 2,618 
Finished goods 1,524  1,449 
Other 410  357 
Total inventories $ 4,728  $ 4,424 
Derivative Instruments
When deemed appropriate, our Company uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and interest rate risk. All derivatives are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet in the following line items, as applicable: prepaid expenses and other current assets; other noncurrent assets; accounts payable and accrued expenses; and other noncurrent liabilities. The cash flow impact of the Company’s derivative instruments is primarily included in our consolidated statement of cash flows in net cash provided by operating activities. Refer to Note 5.
Leases
We determine if a contract contains a lease at its inception based on whether or not the Company has the right to control the asset during the contract period and other facts and circumstances. We are the lessee in a lease contract when we obtain the right to control the asset. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and are included in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease and are included in the line items accounts payable and accrued expenses and other noncurrent liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. When determining the lease term, we include renewal or termination options that we are reasonably certain to exercise. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less at inception are not recorded in our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term in our consolidated statement of income. As the rates implicit in our leases are not readily determinable, we use our local incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. When our contracts contain lease and non-lease components, we account for both components as a single lease component. Refer to Note 10.
We have various contracts for certain fountain equipment under which we are the lessor. These leases meet the criteria for operating lease classification. Lease income associated with these leases is not material.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets, which are reviewed periodically and generally have the following ranges: buildings and improvements: 40 years or less; and machinery and equipment: 20 years or less. Land is not depreciated, and construction in progress is not depreciated until ready for service. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term, including renewal options that we are reasonably certain to exercise, or the estimated
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useful life of the improvement. Depreciation is not recorded during the period in which a long-lived asset or disposal group is classified as held for sale, even if the asset or disposal group continues to generate revenue during the period. Depreciation expense, including the depreciation expense of assets under finance leases, totaled $997 million, $1,018 million and $1,125 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Amortization expense for leasehold improvements totaled $17 million, $14 million and $13 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The following table summarizes our property, plant and equipment (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Land $ 226  $ 229 
Buildings and improvements 5,143  4,647 
Machinery and equipment 14,504  13,593 
Property, plant and equipment — cost 19,873  18,469 
Less: Accumulated depreciation 9,570  9,233 
Property, plant and equipment — net $ 10,303  $ 9,236 
Certain events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the recoverability of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment should be assessed, including, among others, 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. When such events or changes in circumstances are present and a recoverability test is performed, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment charge. The impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value. We use a variety of methodologies to determine the fair value of property, plant and equipment, including appraisals and discounted cash flow models. These appraisals and models include assumptions we believe are consistent with those a market participant would use.
Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets
We classify 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. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, the Company’s long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, which is less than 20 years.
When events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable, management performs a recoverability test of the carrying value by preparing estimates of sales volume and the resulting profit and cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment charge. The impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value. We use a variety of methodologies to determine the fair value of these assets, including discounted cash flow models, which include assumptions we believe are consistent with those a market participant would use.
We test intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives, including trademarks, franchise rights and goodwill, for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. Our Company performs these annual impairment tests as of the first day of our third fiscal quarter. We perform impairment tests using various valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and a market approach, to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset or the reporting unit, as applicable. We believe our assumptions are consistent with those a market participant would use. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, rather than completing the impairment test. The Company must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, it must perform the impairment testing described above. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform any further assessment.
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We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is generally one level below our operating segments. Our operating segments are primarily based on geographic responsibility, which is consistent with the way management runs our business. Our geographic operating segments are generally subdivided into smaller geographic regions, which are reporting units. The Bottling Investments operating segment includes all of our consolidated bottling operations, regardless of geographic location. Generally, each consolidated bottling operation within our Bottling Investments operating segment is its own reporting unit. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination.
In order to test for goodwill impairment, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is written down for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. However, the impairment charge recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, it must perform the impairment testing discussed above. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform any further assessment.
Impairment charges related to intangible assets, including goodwill, are generally recorded in the line item other operating charges or, to the extent they relate to equity method investees, in the line item equity income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income.
Contingencies
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, 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 12.
Stock-Based Compensation
Our Company grants long-term equity awards under its stock-based compensation plans to certain employees of the Company. These awards include stock options, performance share units, restricted stock and restricted stock units. The fair value of stock option awards is estimated using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is generally four years.
The fair value of restricted stock, restricted stock units and certain performance share units is the closing market price per share of the Company’s stock on the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the vesting period. The Company included a relative total shareowner return (“TSR”) modifier for performance share unit awards granted to executives from 2019 through 2022 as well as for performance share unit awards granted to all participants starting in 2023. For these awards, the number of performance share units earned based on the certified achievement of the predefined performance criteria will be reduced or increased if the Company’s total shareowner return over the performance period relative to a predefined group of companies falls outside of a predefined range. The fair value of performance share units that include a TSR modifier is determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model.
In the reporting period it becomes probable that the minimum performance threshold specified in the performance share unit award will be achieved, we recognize compensation expense for the proportionate share of the total fair value of the performance share units related to the vesting period that has already lapsed for the performance share units expected to vest. The remaining fair value of the performance share units expected to vest is expensed on a straight-line basis over the remainder of the vesting period. In the event the Company determines it is no longer probable that the minimum performance threshold specified in the award will be achieved, we reverse all of the previously recognized compensation expense in the reporting period such a determination is made.
The Company has made a policy election to estimate the number of stock-based compensation awards that will ultimately vest to determine the amount of compensation expense recognized each reporting period. Forfeiture estimates are trued-up at the end of each quarter in order to ensure that compensation expense is recognized only for those awards that ultimately vest. Refer to Note 13.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense includes U.S., state, local and international income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the book basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The tax rate used to determine the deferred tax assets and liabilities is the enacted tax rate for the year and manner in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.
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The Company is involved in various tax matters, with respect to some of which the outcome is uncertain. We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that it becomes uncertain based upon one of the following conditions: (1) the tax position is not “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but for a lesser amount; or (3) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. For purposes of evaluating whether or not a tax position is uncertain, (1) we presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information; (2) the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and caselaw and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position; and (3) each tax position is evaluated without consideration of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. A number of years may elapse before a particular uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved or when a tax assessment is raised. The number of years subject to tax assessments varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold would be recognized in income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears under any one of the following conditions: (1) the tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained; (2) the tax position, amount and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired. Refer to Note 12 and Note 15.
Translation and Remeasurement
We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies to U.S. dollars at the appropriate spot rates as of the balance sheet date. Generally, our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency as their functional currency. Changes in the carrying values of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in spot rates are recognized in net foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Refer to Note 16. Accounts in our consolidated statement of income are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is different from a reporting entity’s functional currency must be remeasured from the applicable currency to the reporting entity’s functional currency. The effects of the remeasurement of these assets and liabilities are recognized in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income and are partially offset by the impact of our economic hedging program for certain exposures on our consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 5.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The expanded annual disclosures are effective for our year ended December 31, 2024, and the expanded interim disclosures are effective in 2025 and will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Refer to Note 20.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires, among other things, additional disclosures primarily related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The expanded annual disclosures are effective for our year ending December 31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2023-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and whether we will apply the standard prospectively or retrospectively.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires additional disclosures around specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements. The additional annual disclosures are effective for our year ending December 31, 2027, and the additional interim disclosures are effective in 2028. These disclosures will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2024-03 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
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NOTE 2: ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Acquisitions
Our Company’s acquisitions of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities totaled $315 million, $62 million and $73 million during 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we invested $226 million in alternative energy limited partnerships. Refer to Note 15 for additional information on these investments.
Divestitures
During 2024, proceeds from disposals of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities totaled $3,485 million, which primarily related to the refranchising of the Company’s bottling operations that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2023. Also included was the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Thailand, for which we received net cash proceeds of $718 million and recognized a net gain of $506 million, including the impact of post-closing adjustments. We also sold a portion of our interest in Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (“Coke Consolidated”), an equity method investee, to Coke Consolidated, for which we received cash proceeds of $554 million and recognized a net gain of $338 million. Additionally, we refranchised our bottling operations in additional territories in India for which we received cash proceeds of $17 million and recognized a net gain of $13 million.
During 2023, proceeds from disposals of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities totaled $430 million, which primarily related to the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Indonesia to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc (“CCEP”), an equity method investee, for which we received cash proceeds of $302 million and recognized a net gain of $12 million. Also included was the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Pakistan, for which we received cash proceeds of $100 million and a note receivable of $200 million. We recognized a net gain of $82 million as a result of the sale.
During 2022, proceeds from disposals of businesses, equity method investments and nonmarketable securities totaled $458 million, which primarily related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in Cambodia. We received net cash proceeds of $228 million and recognized a net gain of $153 million as a result of the refranchising. Also included was the sale of our ownership interest in one of our equity method investees, for which we received cash proceeds of $123 million and recognized a net gain of $13 million.
All of the gains discussed above were recorded in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statements of income.
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s bottling operations in certain territories in India met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s bottling operations in the Philippines, Bangladesh and certain territories in India met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. As a result, we were required to record the related assets and liabilities at the lower of carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. As the fair values less any costs to sell exceeded the carrying values, the related assets and liabilities were recorded at their carrying values. These assets and liabilities were included in the Bottling Investments operating segment.
The Company refranchised its bottling operations in certain territories in India in January and February of 2024, for which we received net cash proceeds of $474 million and recognized a net gain of $290 million, including the impact of post-closing adjustments. The Company refranchised its bottling operations in Bangladesh to Coca-Cola İçecek A.Ş. (“CCI”), an equity method investee, in February 2024, for which we received net cash proceeds of $27 million and a note receivable of $29 million and recognized a net loss of $18 million, primarily due to the related reversal of cumulative translation adjustments. Additionally, in February 2024, the Company refranchised its bottling operations in the Philippines to CCEP and a local business partner, for which we received net cash proceeds of $1,652 million and recognized a net gain of $595 million, including the impact of post-closing adjustments. These gains and losses were recorded in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income.
In December 2022, the Company received cash proceeds of $823 million in advance of refranchising its bottling operations in Vietnam, which was included in the line item other investing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company refranchised its bottling operations in Vietnam in January 2023 and recognized a net gain of $439 million as a result of the sale, which was recorded in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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The following table presents information related to the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale and were included in the line items prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $   $ 37 
Marketable securities
  8 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances   95 
Inventories 23  299 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   60 
Equity method investments
  4 
Other noncurrent assets   51 
Deferred income tax assets   28 
Property, plant and equipment — net 108  1,267 
Goodwill   231 
Other intangible assets
  14 
  Assets held for sale $ 131  $ 2,094 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 2  $ 464 
Loans and notes payable
  63 
Accrued income taxes   24 
Long-term debt   2 
Other noncurrent liabilities 1  108 
Deferred income tax liabilities   58 
  Liabilities held for sale $ 3  $ 719 
NOTE 3: NET OPERATING REVENUES
Our Company operates in two lines of business: concentrate operations and finished product operations.
Our concentrate operations typically generate net operating revenues by selling beverage concentrates, sometimes referred to as “beverage bases,” syrups, including fountain syrups, and certain finished beverages to authorized bottling operations (to which we typically refer as our “bottlers” or our “bottling partners”). Our bottling partners either combine concentrates with still or sparkling water and sweeteners (depending on the product), or combine syrups with still or sparkling water, to produce finished beverages. The finished beverages are packaged in authorized containers, such as cans and refillable and nonrefillable glass and plastic bottles, bearing our trademarks or trademarks licensed to us and are then sold to retailers directly or, in some cases, through wholesalers or other bottlers. In addition, outside the United States, our bottling partners are typically authorized to manufacture fountain syrups, using our concentrates, which they sell to fountain retailers for use in producing beverages for immediate consumption, or to authorized fountain wholesalers who in turn sell and distribute the fountain syrups to fountain retailers. Our concentrate operations are included in our geographic operating segments.
Our finished product operations generate net operating revenues by selling sparkling soft drinks and a variety of other finished beverages to retailers, or to distributors and wholesalers who in turn sell the beverages to retailers. Generally, finished product operations generate higher net operating revenues but lower gross profit margins than concentrate operations. These operations consist primarily of our consolidated bottling and distribution operations, which are included in our Bottling Investments operating segment. In certain markets, the Company also operates non-bottling finished product operations in which we sell finished beverages to distributors and wholesalers that are generally not one of the Company’s bottling partners. These operations are generally included in our geographic operating segments. Additionally, we sell directly to consumers through retail stores operated by Costa. These sales are included in our Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment, regardless of the physical location of the retail stores. In the United States, we manufacture fountain syrups and sell them to fountain retailers, who use the fountain syrups to produce beverages for immediate consumption, or to authorized fountain wholesalers or bottling partners who in turn sell and distribute the fountain syrups to fountain retailers. These fountain syrup sales are included in our North America operating segment.
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Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contracts with our customers are satisfied. Our performance obligation generally consists of the promise to sell concentrates, syrups or finished products to our bottling partners, wholesalers, distributors or retailers. Control of the concentrates, syrups or finished products is transferred upon shipment to, or receipt at, our customers’ locations, as determined by the specific terms of the contract. Upon transfer of control to the customer, which completes our performance obligation, revenue is recognized. Our sales terms generally do not allow for a right of return except for matters related to any manufacturing defects on our part. After completion of our performance obligation, we have an unconditional right to consideration as outlined in the contract. Our receivables will generally be collected in less than six months, in accordance with the underlying payment terms. All of our performance obligations under the terms of contracts with our customers have an original duration of one year or less.
Our customers and bottling partners may be entitled to cash discounts, funds for promotional and marketing activities, volume-based incentive programs, support for infrastructure programs and other similar programs. In most markets, in an effort to allow our Company and our bottling partners to grow together through shared value, aligned financial objectives and the flexibility necessary to meet consumers’ always changing needs and tastes, we have implemented an incidence-based concentrate pricing model. Under this model, the price we charge bottlers for concentrates they use to prepare and package finished products is impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the prices charged by the bottlers for such finished products, the channels in which they are sold, and package mix. The amounts associated with the arrangements described above represent variable consideration, an estimate of which is included in the transaction price as a component of net operating revenues in our consolidated statement of income upon completion of our performance obligations. The total revenue recorded, including any variable consideration, cannot exceed the amount for which it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur when uncertainties related to variability are resolved. As a result, we are recognizing revenue based on our best estimate of the consideration that we expect to receive. In making our estimates of variable consideration, we consider past results and make assumptions related to: (1) customer sales volumes; (2) customer ending inventories; (3) customer selling price per unit; (4) selling channels; and (5) discount rates, rebates and other pricing allowances, as applicable. In gathering data to estimate our variable consideration, we generally calculate our estimates using a portfolio approach at the country and product line level rather than at the individual contract level. The result of making these estimates will impact the line items trade accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet, as applicable. The actual amounts ultimately paid and/or received may be different from our estimates. The change in the amount of variable consideration recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods was immaterial.
The following table presents net operating revenues disaggregated between the United States and International and further by line of business (in millions):
United States International Total
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Concentrate operations $ 8,813  $ 18,912  $ 27,725 
Finished product operations 9,549  9,787  19,336 
Total $ 18,362  $ 28,699  $ 47,061 
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Concentrate operations $ 8,780  $ 17,759  $ 26,539 
Finished product operations 7,770  11,445  19,215 
Total $ 16,550  $ 29,204  $ 45,754 
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Concentrate operations $ 7,702  $ 16,369  $ 24,071 
Finished product operations 7,711  11,222  18,933 
Total $ 15,413  $ 27,591  $ 43,004 
Refer to Note 20 for additional revenue disclosures by operating segment and Corporate.
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NOTE 4: INVESTMENTS
We measure all equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value, with the change in fair value included in net income. We use quoted market prices to determine the fair values of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For equity securities without readily determinable fair values, we have elected the measurement alternative under which we measure these investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Management assesses each of these investments on an individual basis.
Our investments in debt securities are carried at either amortized cost or fair value. The cost basis is determined by the specific identification method. Investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost and classified as held-to-maturity. Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held-to-maturity are carried at fair value and classified as either trading or available-for-sale. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading debt securities as well as realized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities are included in net income. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale debt securities are included in our consolidated balance sheet as a component of AOCI, except for the changes in fair values attributable to the currency risk being hedged, if applicable, which are included in net income. Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the Company’s fair value hedges of available-for-sale debt securities.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method and debt securities classified as trading are not assessed for impairment, since they are carried at fair value with the change in fair value included in net income. Equity method investments, equity securities without readily determinable fair values and debt securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity are reviewed each reporting period 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, we evaluate the fair value compared to our cost basis in the investment. We also perform this evaluation every reporting period for each investment for which our cost basis has exceeded the fair value. The fair values of most of our Company’s investments in publicly traded companies are readily available based on quoted market prices. For investments in nonpublicly traded companies, management’s assessment of fair value is based on various valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds, and appraisals, as appropriate. We consider the assumptions that we believe a market participant would use in evaluating estimated future cash flows when employing the discounted cash flow or estimates of sales proceeds valuation methodologies. The ability to accurately predict future cash flows, especially in emerging and developing markets, may impact the determination of fair value. In the event the fair value of an investment declines below our cost basis, management is required to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary. If management determines the decline is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded. Management’s assessment as to the nature of a decline in fair value is based on, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than our cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.
Equity Securities
The carrying values of our equity securities were included in the following line items in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
Fair Value with Changes Recognized in Income Measurement Alternative —
No Readily Determinable
Fair Value
December 31, 2024
Marketable securities $ 418  $  
Other noncurrent assets 1,616  40 
Total equity securities $ 2,034  $ 40 
December 31, 2023
Marketable securities $ 345  $  
Other noncurrent assets 1,661  42 
Total equity securities $ 2,006  $ 42 
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The calculation of net unrealized gains and losses recognized during the year related to equity securities still held at the end of the year is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Net gains (losses) recognized during the year related to equity securities $ 323  $ 371 
Less: Net gains (losses) recognized during the year related to equity securities sold during
   the year
106  52 
Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the year related to equity securities still held at
   the end of the year
$ 217  $ 319 
Debt Securities
Our debt securities consisted of the following (in millions):
Gross Unrealized Estimated
Fair Value
Cost Gains Losses
December 31, 2024
Trading securities
$ 45  $ 1  $ (1) $ 45 
Available-for-sale securities
1,728  21  (118) 1,631 
Total debt securities
$ 1,773  $ 22  $ (119) $ 1,676 
December 31, 2023
Trading securities
$ 43  $   $ (2) $ 41 
Available-for-sale securities
1,136  26  (28) 1,134 
Total debt securities
$ 1,179  $ 26  $ (30) $ 1,175 
The carrying values of our debt securities were included in the following line items in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Trading Securities Available-for-Sale Securities Trading Securities Available-for-Sale Securities
Marketable securities $ 45  $ 1,260  $ 41  $ 914 
Other noncurrent assets   371    220 
Total debt securities $ 45  $ 1,631  $ 41  $ 1,134 
The contractual maturities of these available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows (in millions):
Cost Estimated
Fair Value
Within 1 year $ 299  $ 296 
After 1 year through 5 years 1,217  1,132 
After 5 years through 10 years 35  42 
After 10 years 177  161 
Total $ 1,728  $ 1,631 
The Company expects that actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities above because borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.
The sale and/or maturity of available-for-sale debt securities resulted in the following realized activity (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Gross gains $ 14  $ 3  $ 5 
Gross losses (12) (10) (136)
Proceeds 709  361  1,498 
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Captive Insurance Companies
In accordance with local insurance regulations, our consolidated captive insurance companies are required to meet and maintain minimum solvency capital requirements. The Company elected to invest a majority of its solvency capital in a portfolio of marketable equity and debt securities. These securities are included in the disclosures above. The Company uses one of our consolidated captive insurance companies to reinsure group annuity insurance contracts that cover the obligations of certain of our European and Canadian pension plans. This captive’s solvency capital funds included total equity and debt securities of $1,883 million and $1,643 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which were classified in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets because the assets were not available to satisfy our current obligations.
NOTE 5: HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company is directly and indirectly affected by changes in certain market conditions. These changes in market conditions may adversely impact the Company’s financial performance and are referred to as “market risks.” When deemed appropriate, our Company uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and interest rate risk.
The Company uses various types of derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, option contracts, collars and swaps. Forward contracts and commodity futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a currency or commodity at a predetermined future date and at a predetermined rate or price. An option contract is an agreement that conveys the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a quantity of a currency or commodity at a predetermined rate or price during a period or at a time in the future. A collar is a strategy that uses a combination of options to limit the range of possible positive or negative returns on an underlying asset or liability to a specific range, or to protect expected future cash flows. To do this, an investor simultaneously buys a put option and sells (writes) a call option, or alternatively buys a call option and sells (writes) a put option. A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to exchange cash flows based on specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company may also designate certain non-derivative instruments, such as our foreign currency denominated third-party debt, in hedging relationships.
All derivative instruments are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, primarily in the following line items, as applicable: prepaid expenses and other current assets; other noncurrent assets; accounts payable and accrued expenses; and other noncurrent liabilities. The carrying values of the derivatives reflect the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties, as applicable. These master netting agreements allow the Company to net settle positive and negative positions (assets and liabilities) arising from different transactions with the same counterparty.
The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair values of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationships. Derivatives can be designated as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations. The changes in the fair values of derivatives that have been designated and qualify for fair value hedge accounting are recorded in the same line item in our consolidated statement of income as the changes in the fair values of the hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged. The changes in the fair values of derivatives that have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into the line item in our consolidated statement of income in which the hedged items are recorded in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. Due to the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instruments and the underlying exposures being hedged, fluctuations in the values of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. The changes in the fair values of derivatives that were not designated and/or did not qualify as hedging instruments are immediately recognized in earnings.
For derivatives that will be accounted for as hedging instruments, the Company formally designates and documents, at inception, the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective and the strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. In addition, the Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair values or cash flows of the related underlying exposures.
The Company determines the fair values of its derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. Refer to Note 17. 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, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates or other financial indices. The Company does not view the fair
54    


values of its derivatives in isolation but rather in relation to the fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged transactions or other exposures. Virtually all of our derivatives are straightforward over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets.
The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments that were designated and qualified as part of a hedging relationship (in millions):
 
Fair Value1,2
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Financial Statement Line Item Impacted1
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Assets:      
Foreign currency contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 311  $ 109 
Foreign currency contracts Other noncurrent assets 82  13 
Commodity contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2   
Interest rate contracts Other noncurrent assets 27  50 
Total assets   $ 422  $ 172 
Liabilities:      
Foreign currency contracts Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 14  $ 111 
Foreign currency contracts Other noncurrent liabilities 39  40 
Commodity contracts Accounts payable and accrued expenses   3 
Interest rate contracts Accounts payable and accrued expenses   5 
Interest rate contracts Other noncurrent liabilities 922  1,113 
Total liabilities   $ 975  $ 1,272 
1All of the Company’s derivative instruments are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets after considering the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties, as applicable. Current disclosure requirements mandate that derivatives must also be disclosed without reflecting the impact of master netting agreements and cash collateral. Refer to Note 17 for the net presentation of the Company’s derivative instruments.
2Refer to Note 17 for additional information related to the estimated fair value.
The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments (in millions):
 
Fair Value1,2
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Financial Statement Line Item Impacted1
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Assets:      
Foreign currency contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 152  $ 91 
Foreign currency contracts Other noncurrent assets 8  3 
Commodity contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7  5 
Other derivative instruments Prepaid expenses and other current assets   4 
Total assets   $ 167  $ 103 
Liabilities:      
Foreign currency contracts Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 86  $ 106 
Foreign currency contracts Other noncurrent liabilities 12  3 
Commodity contracts Accounts payable and accrued expenses 40  62 
Commodity contracts Other noncurrent liabilities   1 
Other derivative instruments Accounts payable and accrued expenses 6  4 
Total liabilities   $ 144  $ 176 
1All of the Company’s derivative instruments are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets after considering the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties, as applicable. Current disclosure requirements mandate that derivatives must also be disclosed without reflecting the impact of master netting agreements and cash collateral. Refer to Note 17 for the net presentation of the Company’s derivative instruments.
2Refer to Note 17 for additional information related to the estimated fair value.
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Credit Risk Associated with Derivatives
We have established strict counterparty credit guidelines and enter into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. We monitor counterparty exposures regularly 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 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. In addition, the Company’s master netting agreements reduce credit risk by permitting the Company to net settle for transactions with the same counterparty. To minimize the concentration of credit risk, we enter into derivative transactions with a portfolio of financial institutions. Furthermore, for certain derivative financial instruments, the Company has agreements with counterparties that require collateral to be exchanged based on changes in the fair value of the instruments. The Company classifies collateral payments and receipts as investing cash flows when the collateral account is in an asset position and as financing cash flows when the collateral account is in a liability position. As a result of these factors, we consider the risk of counterparty default to be minimal.
Cash Flow Hedging Strategy
The Company uses cash flow hedges to minimize the variability in cash flows of assets or liabilities or forecasted transactions caused by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices or interest rates. The changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into the line item in our consolidated statement of income in which the hedged items are recorded in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. The changes in fair values of hedges that are determined to be ineffective are immediately reclassified from AOCI into earnings. The maximum length of time for which the Company hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows is typically three years.
The Company maintains a foreign currency cash flow hedging program to reduce the risk that our U.S. dollar net cash inflows from sales outside the United States and U.S. dollar net cash outflows from procurement activities will be adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into forward contracts and purchase foreign currency options and collars (principally euro, British pound and Japanese yen) to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. When the U.S. dollar strengthens against the foreign currencies, the decline in the present value of future foreign currency cash flows is partially offset by gains in the fair value of the derivative instruments. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar weakens, the increase in the present value of future foreign currency cash flows is partially offset by losses in the fair value of the derivative instruments. The total notional values of derivatives that were designated and qualified for the Company’s foreign currency cash flow hedging program were $9,206 million and $9,408 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company uses cross-currency swaps to hedge the changes in cash flows of certain of its foreign currency denominated debt and other monetary assets or liabilities due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. For this hedging program, the Company recognizes in earnings each period the changes in carrying values of these foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities due to fluctuations in exchange rates. The changes in fair values of the cross-currency swap derivatives are recorded in AOCI with an immediate reclassification into earnings for the changes in fair values attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The total notional values of derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges for the Company’s foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities were $557 million and $958 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company has entered into commodity futures contracts and other derivative instruments on various commodities to mitigate the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in our manufacturing process. These derivative instruments were designated as part of the Company’s commodity cash flow hedging program. The objective of this hedging program is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with future purchases of certain commodities. The total notional values of derivatives that were designated and qualified for this program were $58 million and $54 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Our Company monitors our mix of short-term debt and long-term debt regularly. We manage our risk to interest rate fluctuations through the use of derivative financial instruments. From time to time, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements and has designated these instruments as part of the Company’s interest rate cash flow hedging program. The objective of this hedging program is to mitigate the risk of adverse changes in benchmark interest rates on the Company’s future interest payments. The total notional value of derivatives that were designated and qualified for the Company’s interest rate cash flow hedging program was $750 million as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, we did not have any interest rate swaps designated as a cash flow hedge.
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The following table presents the pretax impact that changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges had on other comprehensive income (“OCI”), AOCI and earnings (in millions):
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI
Financial Statement Line Item Impacted Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
2024      
Foreign currency contracts $ 457  Net operating revenues $ 84 
Foreign currency contracts 37  Cost of goods sold 16 
Foreign currency contracts   Interest expense (4)
Foreign currency contracts (18) Other income (loss) — net (45)
Interest rate contracts (54) Interest expense (2)
Commodity contracts 6  Cost of goods sold 1 
Total $ 428  $ 50 
2023
Foreign currency contracts $ (128) Net operating revenues $ (3)
Foreign currency contracts 19  Cost of goods sold 14 
Foreign currency contracts   Interest expense (4)
Foreign currency contracts 35  Other income (loss) — net 17 
Commodity contracts (15) Cost of goods sold (14)
Total $ (89)   $ 10 
2022
Foreign currency contracts $ 205  Net operating revenues $ 218 
Foreign currency contracts 17  Cost of goods sold 28 
Foreign currency contracts   Interest expense (4)
Foreign currency contracts (91) Other income (loss) — net (79)
Commodity contracts (4) Cost of goods sold (2)
Total $ 127  $ 161 
As of December 31, 2024, the Company estimates that it will reclassify into earnings during the next 12 months net gains of $241 million from the pretax amount recorded in AOCI as the anticipated cash flows occur.
Fair Value Hedging Strategy
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges to minimize exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt that result from fluctuations in benchmark interest rates. The Company also uses cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in the fair value of foreign currency denominated debt relating to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and benchmark interest rates. The changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the offsetting changes in the fair values of the hedged items are recognized in earnings. As a result, any difference is reflected in earnings as ineffectiveness. When a derivative is no longer designated as a fair value hedge for any reason, including termination and maturity, the remaining unamortized difference between the carrying value of the hedged item at that time and the face value of the hedged item is amortized to earnings over the remaining life of the hedged item, or immediately if the hedged item has matured or has been extinguished. The total notional values of derivatives that were designated and qualified as fair value hedges of this type were $12,628 million and $13,693 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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The following table summarizes the pretax impact that changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as fair value hedges had on earnings (in millions):
Hedging Instruments and Hedged Items Financial Statement Line Item Impacted Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
2024
Interest rate contracts Interest expense $ 173 
Fixed-rate debt Interest expense (170)
Net impact of fair value hedging instruments $ 3 
2023
Interest rate contracts Interest expense $ 609 
Fixed-rate debt Interest expense (591)
 Net impact of fair value hedging instruments $ 18 
2022
Interest rate contracts Interest expense $ (1,944)
Fixed-rate debt Interest expense 1,927 
Net impact of fair value hedging instruments $ (17)
The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets related to hedged items in fair value hedging relationships (in millions):
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments1
Carrying Values of
Hedged Items
Included in the Carrying Values of Hedged Items Remaining for Which Hedge Accounting Has Been Discontinued
Balance Sheet Location of Hedged Items December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Current maturities of long-term debt $   $ 552  $   $ 1  $   $  
Long-term debt 11,824  12,186  (915) (1,135) 130  162 
1 Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments does not include changes due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
In June 2023, the Company amended the terms of its interest rate swap agreements to implement a forward-looking interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate in place of the London Interbank Offered Rate. Since the interest rate swap agreements were affected by reference rate reform, the Company applied the expedients and exceptions provided to preserve the past presentation of its derivatives without de-designating the existing hedging relationships. All amendments to interest rate swap agreements were executed with the existing counterparties and did not change the notional amounts, maturity dates or other critical terms of the hedging relationships.
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations Strategy
The Company uses forward contracts and a portion of its foreign currency denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, to protect the value of our net investments in a number of foreign operations. For derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in foreign operations, the changes in the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are recognized in net foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of AOCI, to offset the changes in the values of the net investments being hedged. For non-derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in foreign operations, the changes in the carrying values of the designated portions of the non-derivative financial instruments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates are recorded in net foreign currency translation adjustments. Any ineffective portions of net investment hedges are reclassified from AOCI into earnings during the period of change.
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The following table summarizes the notional values and pretax impact of changes in the fair values of instruments designated as net investment hedges (in millions):
Notional Values Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI
as of December 31, Year Ended December 31,
  2024 2023 2024 2023 2022
Foreign currency contracts $ 59  $ 150  $ 19  $ (6) $ (10)
Foreign currency denominated debt 13,221  12,437  825  (376) 751 
Total $ 13,280  $ 12,587  $ 844  $ (382) $ 741 
The Company reclassified a gain of $3 million related to net investment hedges from AOCI into earnings during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company did not reclassify any gains or losses related to net investment hedges from AOCI into earnings during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. In addition, the Company did not have any ineffectiveness related to net investment hedges during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The cash inflows and outflows associated with the Company’s derivative contracts designated as net investment hedges are classified in the line item other investing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
Economic (Non-Designated) Hedging Strategy
In addition to derivative instruments that have been designated and qualify for hedge accounting, the Company also uses certain derivatives as economic hedges of foreign currency, interest rate and commodity exposure. Although these derivatives were not designated and/or did not qualify for hedge accounting, they are effective economic hedges. The changes in the fair values of economic hedges are immediately recognized in earnings.
The Company uses foreign currency economic hedges to offset the earnings impact that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have on certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies. The changes in the fair values of economic hedges used to offset those monetary assets and liabilities are immediately recognized in earnings in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income. In addition, we use foreign currency economic hedges to minimize the variability in cash flows associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, including those related to certain acquisition and divestiture activities. The changes in the fair values of economic hedges used to offset the variability in U.S. dollar net cash flows are immediately recognized in earnings in the line items net operating revenues, cost of goods sold or other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income, as applicable. The total notional values of derivatives related to our foreign currency economic hedges were $8,620 million and $6,989 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company uses interest rate contracts as economic hedges to minimize exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt that result from fluctuations in benchmark interest rates. There were no interest rate contracts used as economic hedges as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company also uses certain derivatives as economic hedges to mitigate the price risk associated with the purchase of materials used in the manufacturing process and vehicle fuel. The changes in the fair values of these economic hedges are immediately recognized in earnings in the line items net operating revenues, cost of goods sold, or selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income, as applicable. The total notional values of derivatives related to our economic hedges of this type were $328 million and $325 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table presents the pretax impact that changes in the fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments had on earnings (in millions):
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Financial Statement Line Item Impacted Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Foreign currency contracts Net operating revenues $ 211  $ (74) $ (55)
Foreign currency contracts Cost of goods sold (44) 66  46 
Foreign currency contracts Other income (loss) — net (107) (10) 57 
Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold (97) (137) (40)
Other derivative instruments Selling, general and administrative expenses 17  5  (21)
Total   $ (20) $ (150) $ (13)
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NOTE 6: EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
Our consolidated net income includes our Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of our equity method investees. When we record our proportionate share of net income, it increases equity income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income and our carrying value of that investment. Conversely, when we record our proportionate share of a net loss, it decreases equity income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income and our carrying value of that investment. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of our equity method investees includes our proportionate share of significant operating and nonoperating items recorded by our equity method investees. These items can have a significant impact on the amount of equity income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income and our carrying value of those investments. Refer to Note 18 for additional information related to significant operating and nonoperating items recorded by our equity method investees. The carrying values of our equity method investments are also impacted by our proportionate share of items impacting the equity method investees’ AOCI.
We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions to the extent of our ownership interest, including the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.
The Company’s equity method investments include, but are not limited to, our ownership interests in CCEP; Monster; AC Bebidas, S. de R.L. de C.V.; Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V.; Coca-Cola HBC AG; and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings Inc. As of December 31, 2024, we owned 19%, 21%, 20%, 28%, 22% and 19%, respectively, of these companies’ outstanding shares. As of December 31, 2024, our investments in our equity method investees in the aggregate exceeded our proportionate share of the net assets of these equity method investees by $7,791 million. This difference is not amortized.
A summary of financial information for our equity method investees in the aggregate is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,1
2024 2023 2022
Net operating revenues $ 99,043  $ 93,862  $ 85,116 
Cost of goods sold 58,527  55,780  52,051 
Gross profit $ 40,516  $ 38,082  $ 33,065 
Operating income $ 12,536  $ 11,868  $ 9,719 
Consolidated net income $ 8,439  $ 7,657  $ 6,373 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 98  75  102 
Net income attributable to common shareowners $ 8,341  $ 7,582  $ 6,271 
Company equity income (loss) — net $ 1,770  $ 1,691  $ 1,472 
1 The financial information represents the results of the equity method investees during the Company’s period of ownership.
December 31, 2024 2023
Current assets $ 33,720  $ 35,087 
Noncurrent assets 72,039  74,464 
Total assets $ 105,759  $ 109,551 
Current liabilities $ 26,959  $ 26,929 
Noncurrent liabilities 33,004  33,989 
Total liabilities $ 59,963  $ 60,918 
Equity attributable to shareowners of investees $ 44,295  $ 47,473 
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,501  1,160 
Total equity $ 45,796  $ 48,633 
Company equity method investments $ 18,087  $ 19,671 
Net sales to equity method investees, the majority of which are located outside the United States, were $18,278 million, $17,736 million and $16,084 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total payments, primarily related to marketing, made to equity method investees were $331 million, $294 million and $396 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, purchases of beverage products from equity method investees were $635 million, $579 million and $505 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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The following table presents the difference between calculated fair value, based on quoted closing prices of publicly traded shares, and our Company’s carrying value in investments in publicly traded companies accounted for under the equity method (in millions):
December 31, 2024 Fair Value Carrying Value Difference
Monster Beverage Corporation $ 10,735  $ 5,186  $ 5,549 
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc 6,755  3,655  3,100 
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. 4,544  1,786  2,758 
Coca-Cola HBC AG 2,675  1,147  1,528 
Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. 2,373  342  2,031 
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings Inc. 536  332  204 
Coca-Cola İçecek A.Ş. 954  257  697 
Embotelladora Andina S.A. 168  90  78 
Total $ 28,740  $ 12,795  $ 15,945 
Net Receivables and Dividends from Equity Method Investees
Total net receivables due from equity method investees were $1,357 million and $1,527 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The total amount of dividends received from equity method investees was $968 million, $672 million and $634 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The amount of consolidated reinvested earnings that represents undistributed earnings of investments accounted for under the equity method as of December 31, 2024 was $8,594 million.
NOTE 7: GOODWILL
The following table provides information related to the carrying value of our goodwill by operating segment (in millions):
Europe, Middle East & Africa Latin
America
North
America
Asia Pacific Bottling
Investments
Total
2023            
Balance at beginning of year $ 3,571  $ 220  $ 10,978  $ 428  $ 3,585  $ 18,782 
Effect of foreign currency translation 76  6    (11) (264) (193)
Divestitures1
        (231) (231)
Balance at end of year $ 3,647  $ 226  $ 10,978  $ 417  $ 3,090  $ 18,358 
2024            
Balance at beginning of year $ 3,647  $ 226  $ 10,978  $ 417  $ 3,090  $ 18,358 
Effect of foreign currency translation (107) (11)   (10) (84) (212)
Impairment charges         (6) (6)
Divestitures
        (1) (1)
Balance at end of year $ 3,540  $ 215  $ 10,978  $ 407  $ 2,999  $ 18,139 
1 The decrease in the Bottling Investments segment was a result of the Company’s bottling operations in the Philippines being classified as held for sale. Refer to Note 2.
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NOTE 8: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Accounts payable $ 5,468  $ 5,590 
Accrued marketing expenses 3,092  2,870 
Accrued compensation 1,391  1,394 
Contingent consideration liability1
6,126   
Other accrued expenses2
5,638  5,631 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 21,715  $ 15,485 
1Represents the fairlife, LLC (“fairlife”) contingent consideration liability. As of December 31, 2023, this balance was $3,017 million and was recorded in the line item other noncurrent liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 17.
2Includes liabilities held for sale of $3 million and $719 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Refer to Note 2.
NOTE 9: SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM
Our current payment terms with the majority of our suppliers are 120 days. Certain financial institutions offer a voluntary supply chain finance (“SCF”) program, which enables our suppliers, at their sole discretion, to sell their receivables from the Company to these financial institutions on a non-recourse basis at a rate that leverages our credit rating and thus may be more beneficial to them. The SCF program is available to suppliers of goods and services included in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income. The Company and our suppliers agree on contractual terms for the goods and services we procure, including prices, quantities and payment terms, regardless of whether the supplier elects to participate in the SCF program. The suppliers sell goods or services, as applicable, to the Company and issue the associated invoices to the Company based on the agreed-upon contractual terms. Then, if they are participating in the SCF program, our suppliers sell their invoices to the financial institutions. Our suppliers’ voluntary participation in the SCF program has no bearing on our payment terms. No guarantees are provided by the Company or any of our subsidiaries under the SCF program. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to participate in the SCF program, and we have no direct financial relationship with the financial institutions, as it relates to the SCF program. Accordingly, amounts due to our suppliers that elected to participate in the SCF program are included in the line item accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet. All activity related to amounts due to suppliers that elected to participate in the SCF program is reflected within the operating activities section of our consolidated statement of cash flows.
The summary of the Company’s outstanding obligations confirmed as valid under the SCF program is as follows (in millions):
2024
Confirmed obligations outstanding at beginning of year $ 1,421 
Invoices confirmed 5,105 
Confirmed invoices paid (5,196)
Confirmed obligations outstanding at end of year $ 1,330 
NOTE 10: LEASES
We have operating leases primarily for real estate, manufacturing and other equipment, vehicles and aircraft.
Balance sheet information related to operating leases is as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Operating lease ROU assets1
$ 1,182  $ 1,328 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities2
$ 290  $ 361 
Noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities3
923  1,001 
Total operating lease liabilities $ 1,213  $ 1,362 
1 Operating lease ROU assets are included in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
2 The current portion of operating lease liabilities is included in the line item accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.
3 The noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities is included in the line item other noncurrent liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
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We had operating lease costs of $362 million and $397 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During 2024 and 2023, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $359 million and $389 million, respectively. Operating lease ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations were $313 million and $328 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information associated with the measurement of our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 is as follows:
Weighted-average remaining lease term 8 years
Weighted-average discount rate 3.7  %
Our leases have remaining lease terms of up to 40 years, inclusive of renewal or termination options that we are reasonably certain to exercise.
The following table summarizes the maturities of our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities
2025 $ 322 
2026 251 
2027 188 
2028 137 
2029 102 
Thereafter 378 
Total operating lease payments 1,378 
Less: Imputed interest 165 
Total operating lease liabilities $ 1,213 
NOTE 11: DEBT AND BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
Loans and Notes Payable
Loans and notes payable consist primarily of commercial paper issued in the United States. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $1,139 million and $4,209 million, respectively, in outstanding commercial paper borrowings. Our weighted-average interest rates for commercial paper outstanding were 5.0% and 5.3% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company also had $360 million and $348 million, respectively, in lines of credit, short-term credit facilities and other short-term borrowings.
In addition, we had $5,693 million in unused lines of credit and other short-term credit facilities as of December 31, 2024, of which $4,550 million was in corporate backup lines of credit for general purposes. These backup lines of credit expire at various times through 2029. There were no borrowings under these corporate backup lines of credit during 2024. These credit facilities are subject to normal banking terms and conditions. Some of the financial arrangements require compensating balances, none of which was significant to our Company.
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Long-Term Debt
The Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions except average rate data):
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Amount
Average Rate1
Amount
Average Rate1
Fixed interest rate long-term debt:
U.S. dollar notes due 2024-2093 $ 26,931  3.1  % $ 21,982  3.2  %
U.S. dollar debentures due 2026-2098 778  4.8  788  4.8 
Australian dollar notes due 2024     374  2.7 
Euro notes due 2024-2053 13,619  3.1  12,888  2.7 
Swiss franc notes due 2028 635  6.7  684  6.0 
Other, due through 20982
1,845  7.1  1,763  8.1 
Fair value adjustments3
(785)       N/A (972)         N/A
Total4,5
43,023  3.4  % 37,507  3.4  %
Less: Current portion 648    1,960   
Long-term debt $ 42,375    $ 35,547   
1Rates represent the weighted-average effective interest rate on the balances outstanding as of year end, as adjusted for the effective amount of interest rate swap agreements and cross-currency swap agreements, if applicable. Refer to Note 5 for a more detailed discussion on interest rate management.
2As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the amounts include $1,249 million and $1,211 million, respectively, of debt instruments related to our bottling operations in Africa due through 2027.
3Amounts represent the changes in fair values due to changes in benchmark interest rates. Refer to Note 5 for additional information about our fair value hedging strategy.
4As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, was $38,052 million and $33,445 million, respectively.
5The above notes and debentures include various restrictions, none of which was significant to our Company.
Total interest paid was $1,669 million, $1,415 million and $848 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During 2024, the Company extinguished prior to maturity long-term debt of $485 million resulting in a gain of $22 million recorded in the line item interest expense in our consolidated statement of income.
The following table summarizes the maturities of long-term debt for the five years succeeding December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Maturities of
Long-Term Debt
2025 $ 648 
2026 1,803 
2027 5,064 
2028 2,786 
2029 2,684 
NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Guarantees
As of December 31, 2024, we were contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties of $766 million, of which $82 million was related to VIEs. Refer to Note 1 for additional information related to the Company’s maximum exposure to loss due to our involvement with VIEs. Our guarantees are primarily related to third-party customers, bottlers and vendors and arose through the normal course of business. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees is individually significant. These amounts represent the maximum potential future payments that we could be required to make under the guarantees. However, management has concluded that the likelihood of any significant amounts being paid by our Company under these guarantees is remote.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
We believe our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diverse geographic areas covered by our operations.
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Legal Contingencies
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings. We establish reserves for specific legal proceedings when we determine that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management has also identified certain other legal matters where we believe an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and/or for which no estimate of possible losses can be made. Management believes that the total liabilities of the Company that may arise as a result of currently pending legal proceedings (excluding tax audit claims) will not have a material adverse effect on the Company taken as a whole.
Indemnifications
At the time we acquire or divest an ownership interest in an entity, we sometimes agree to indemnify the seller or buyer for specific contingent liabilities. 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 Company taken as a whole.
Tax Audits
The Company is involved in various tax matters, with respect to some of which the outcome is uncertain. These uncertain tax matters may result in the assessment of additional taxes. Refer to Note 15.
On September 17, 2015, the Company received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (“Notice”) from the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) seeking approximately $3.3 billion of additional federal income tax for years 2007 through 2009. In the Notice, the IRS stated its intent to reallocate over $9 billion of income to the U.S. parent company from certain of its foreign affiliates that the U.S. parent company licensed to manufacture, distribute, sell, market and promote its products in certain non-U.S. markets.
The Notice concerned the Company’s transfer pricing between its U.S. parent company and certain of its foreign affiliates. IRS rules governing transfer pricing require arm’s-length pricing of transactions between related parties such as the Company’s U.S. parent and its foreign affiliates.
To resolve the same transfer pricing issue for the tax years 1987 through 1995, the Company and the IRS had agreed in 1996 on an arm’s-length methodology for determining the amount of U.S. taxable income that the U.S. parent company would report as compensation from its foreign licensees. The Company and the IRS memorialized this accord in a closing agreement resolving that dispute (“Closing Agreement”). The Closing Agreement provided that, absent a change in material facts or circumstances or relevant federal tax law, in calculating the Company’s income taxes going forward, the Company would not be assessed penalties by the IRS for using the agreed-upon tax calculation methodology that the Company and the IRS agreed would be used for the 1987 through 1995 tax years.
The IRS audited and confirmed the Company’s compliance with the agreed-upon Closing Agreement methodology in five successive audit cycles for tax years 1996 through 2006.
The September 17, 2015 Notice from the IRS retroactively rejected the previously agreed-upon methodology for the 2007 through 2009 tax years in favor of an entirely different methodology, without prior notice to the Company. Using the new tax calculation methodology, the IRS reallocated over $9 billion of income to the U.S. parent company from its foreign licensees for tax years 2007 through 2009. Consistent with the Closing Agreement, the IRS did not assert penalties, and it has yet to do so.
The IRS designated the Company’s matter for litigation on October 15, 2015. Litigation designation is an IRS determination that forecloses to a company any and all alternative means for resolution of a tax dispute. As a result of the IRS’ designation of the Company’s matter for litigation, the Company was forced to either accept the IRS’ newly imposed tax assessment and pay the full amount of the asserted tax or litigate the matter in the federal courts. The matter remains subject to the IRS’ litigation designation, preventing the Company from any attempt to settle or otherwise mutually resolve the matter with the IRS.
The Company consequently initiated litigation by filing a petition in the U.S. Tax Court (“Tax Court”) in December 2015, challenging the tax adjustments enumerated in the Notice.
Prior to trial, the IRS increased its transfer pricing adjustment by $385 million, resulting in an additional tax adjustment of $135 million. The Company obtained a summary judgment in its favor on a different matter related to Mexican foreign tax credits, which thereafter effectively reduced the IRS’ potential tax adjustment by $138 million.
The trial was held in the Tax Court from March through May 2018, and final post-trial briefs were filed and exchanged in April 2019.
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On November 18, 2020, the Tax Court issued an opinion (“Opinion”) in which it predominantly sided with the IRS but agreed with the Company that dividends previously paid by the foreign licensees to the U.S. parent company in reliance upon the Closing Agreement should continue to be allowed to offset royalties, including those that would become payable to the Company in accordance with the Opinion. On November 8, 2023, the Tax Court issued a supplemental opinion (together with the original Tax Court opinion, “Opinions”), siding with the IRS in concluding both that certain U.S. tax regulations (known as the blocked-income regulations) that address the effect of certain Brazilian legal restrictions on royalty payments by the Company’s licensee in Brazil apply to the Company’s operations and that the Tax Court opinion in 3M Co. & Subs. v. Commissioner (February 9, 2023) controlled as to the validity of those regulations.
The Company believes that the IRS and the Tax Court misinterpreted and misapplied the applicable regulations in reallocating income earned by the Company’s foreign licensees to increase the Company’s U.S. tax. Moreover, the Company believes that the retroactive imposition of such tax liability using a calculation methodology different from that previously agreed upon by the IRS and the Company, and audited by the IRS for over a decade, is unconstitutional. The Company intends to assert its claims on appeal and vigorously defend its positions. In addition, for its litigation with the IRS and for purposes of its appeal of the Tax Court decision, the Company is currently evaluating the implications of several significant administrative law cases recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, most notably Loper Bright v. Raimondo, which overruled Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. NRDC (“Chevron”). Since 1984, Chevron had required that courts defer to agency interpretations of statutes and agency action. In Ohio v. EPA and Garland v. Cargill, two of the recent decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrated how courts are to rule on agency interpretations and actions without the deference previously required by Chevron.
On August 2, 2024, the Tax Court entered a decision reflecting additional federal income tax of $2.7 billion for the 2007 through 2009 tax years. With applicable interest, the total liability for the 2007 through 2009 tax years resulting from the Tax Court’s decision is $6.0 billion, for which the IRS issued the Company invoices on September 3, 2024. The Company paid those invoices (“IRS Tax Litigation Deposit”) on September 10, 2024, which stopped interest from accruing on the additional tax due for the 2007 through 2009 tax years. That amount, plus interest earned, would be refunded in full or in part if the Company’s tax positions are ultimately sustained on appeal. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded net interest income of $77 million related to this tax payment in the line item income taxes in our consolidated statement of income, in accordance with our accounting policy. The payment of the IRS invoices and the related accrued interest were recorded in the line item other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. On October 22, 2024, the Company appealed the Tax Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
In determining the amount of tax reserve to be recorded as of December 31, 2020, the Company completed the required two-step evaluation process prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. In doing so, we consulted with outside advisors, and we reviewed and considered relevant laws, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Opinions and relevant caselaw. We also considered our intention to vigorously defend our positions and assert our various well-founded legal claims via every available avenue of appeal. We concluded, based on the technical and legal merits of the Company’s tax positions, that it is more likely than not the Company’s tax positions will ultimately be sustained on appeal. In addition, we considered a number of alternative transfer pricing methodologies, including the methodology asserted by the IRS and affirmed in the Opinions (“Tax Court Methodology”), that could be applied by the courts upon final resolution of the litigation. Based on the required probability analysis, we determined the methodologies we believe the federal courts could ultimately order to be used in calculating the Company’s tax. As a result of this analysis, we recorded a tax reserve of $438 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 related to the application of the resulting methodologies as well as the different tax treatment applicable to dividends originally paid to the U.S. parent company by its foreign licensees, in reliance upon the Closing Agreement, that would be recharacterized as royalties in accordance with the Opinions and the Company’s analysis.
The Company’s conclusion that it is more likely than not the Company’s tax positions will ultimately be sustained on appeal is unchanged as of December 31, 2024. However, based on the required probability analysis and the accrual of interest through the current reporting period, we updated our tax reserve as of December 31, 2024 to $474 million.
While the Company strongly disagrees with the IRS’ positions and the portions of the Opinions affirming such positions, it is possible that some portion or all of the adjustments proposed by the IRS and sustained by the Tax Court could ultimately be upheld. In that event, the Company would not receive a refund of the applicable portion or all of the $6.0 billion it paid in response to the IRS invoices issued in September 2024 and the related accrued interest receivable of $103 million as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, the Company would likely be subject to significant additional liabilities for subsequent years, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company calculated the potential impact of applying the Tax Court Methodology to reallocate income from foreign licensees potentially covered within the scope of the Opinions for the 2010 through 2024 tax years, assuming such methodology were to be ultimately upheld by the courts, and the IRS were to decide to apply that methodology to subsequent years, with
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consent of the federal courts. This impact would include taxes and interest accrued through December 31, 2024. The calculations incorporated the estimated impact of correlative adjustments to the previously accrued transition tax payable under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform Act”). The Company estimates that the potential aggregate remaining incremental tax and interest liability for the tax years 2010 through 2024 could be approximately $12 billion as of December 31, 2024. Additional income tax and interest on any unpaid potential liabilities for the 2010 through 2024 tax years would continue to accrue until the time any such potential liability, or portion thereof, were to be paid. We currently project the continued application of the Tax Court Methodology in 2025, assuming similar facts and circumstances as of December 31, 2024, would result in an incremental annual tax liability that would increase the Company’s effective tax rate by approximately 3.5%.
Risk Management Programs
The Company has numerous global insurance programs in place to help protect the Company from the risk of loss. In general, we are self-insured for large portions of many different types of claims; however, we do use commercial insurance above our self-insured retentions to reduce the Company’s risk of catastrophic loss. Our reserves for the Company’s self-insured losses are estimated using actuarial methods and assumptions of the insurance industry, adjusted for our specific expectations based on our claims history. Our self-insurance reserves totaled $168 million and $197 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 13: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Our Company grants long-term equity awards under its stock-based compensation plans to certain employees of the Company. The Coca-Cola Company 2024 Equity Plan (“2024 Plan”) and the Global Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“GESPP”) were approved by shareowners on May 1, 2024. Under the 2024 Plan, an aggregate initial reserve of 240 million shares of our common stock was approved to be issued through the grant of equity awards. This reserve will be increased or may be adjusted as allowable under the 2024 Plan. The 2024 Plan allows for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other specified award types, including cash awards with performance-based vesting criteria. As of December 31, 2024, there were 240 million initial reserve shares available to be granted under the 2024 Plan. There was an additional 1 million shares available to be issued under the 2024 Plan through the reuse of shares and adjustments as allowable under the 2024 Plan. Beginning in 2025, the 2024 Plan will be the only plan in use for equity awards. Under the GESPP, a maximum of 15 million shares of our common stock was approved to be issued through the grant of matching share awards. As of December 31, 2024, there were 15 million shares available to be issued under the GESPP.
Total stock-based compensation expense was $286 million, $251 million and $361 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2022, for certain employees who accepted voluntary separation from the Company as a result of the restructuring of our North America operating unit, the Company provided cash payments designed to offset the loss of certain equity awards and serve as a cash supplement to the employees upon the exercise of certain stock options. The stock-based compensation expense in 2022 arising from the estimated cash payments was $5 million and was recorded in the line item other operating charges, and the remaining stock-based compensation expense of $356 million was recorded in the line item selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income. In 2023, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $254 million in the line item selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income. This was partially offset by $3 million related to the revision of management’s estimates arising from the settlement of the estimated cash payments recognized in 2022, which was recorded in the line item other operating charges in our consolidated statement of income. All stock-based compensation expense in 2024 was recorded in the line item selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income. Refer to Note 19 for additional information on the Company’s restructuring initiatives. The total income tax benefit recognized in our consolidated statements of income related to total stock-based compensation expense was $47 million, $40 million and $55 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $234 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards granted under our plans, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years as stock‑based compensation expense. This expected cost does not include the impact of any future stock-based compensation awards.
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Stock Option Awards
Stock option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the average of the high and low market prices per share of the Company’s stock on the grant date. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is generally four years.
The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model for such grants were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Fair value of stock options on grant date $ 10.28  $ 9.84  $ 8.23 
Dividend yield1
3.2  % 3.0  % 2.8  %
Expected volatility2
17.0  % 17.5  % 18.0  %
Risk-free interest rate3
4.3  % 4.1  % 1.9  %
Expected term of stock options4
6 years 6 years 6 years
1The dividend yield is the calculated yield on the closing market price per share of the Company’s stock on the grant date.
2The expected volatility is based on implied volatilities from traded options on the Company’s stock, historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors.
3The risk-free interest rate for the period matching the expected term of the stock options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the grant date.
4The expected term of the stock options represents the period of time that stock options are expected to be outstanding and is derived by analyzing historical exercise behavior.
Stock option awards generally expire 10 years after the grant date. The shares of common stock to be issued and/or sold upon the exercise of stock options are made available from either authorized and unissued common stock or from treasury shares. Since 2007, the Company has issued common stock under its stock-based compensation plans from treasury shares.
Stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Shares
(In millions)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In millions)
Outstanding on January 1, 2024 47  $ 48.52     
Granted 2  60.28     
Exercised (18) 42.72     
Outstanding on December 31, 2024 31  $ 52.81  5.4 years $ 289 
Vested and expected to vest 30  $ 52.72  5.4 years $ 288 
Exercisable on December 31, 2024 22  $ 50.43  4.5 years $ 261 
The total intrinsic value of the stock options exercised was $356 million, $268 million and $534 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total number of stock options exercised was 18 million, 14 million and 22 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Performance-Based Share Unit Awards
Performance share unit awards require achievement of certain performance criteria, which are predefined by the Talent and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors at the time of grant. For performance share unit awards granted from 2019 through 2022, the performance criteria were equally weighted among net operating revenues, earnings per share and free cash flow over a predefined performance period of three years. For performance share unit awards granted to executives in 2022, and for performance share unit awards granted to all participants in 2023 and 2024, the performance criteria were weighted 30% for net operating revenues, 30% for earnings per share, 30% for free cash flow and 10% for environmental sustainability. For purposes of these performance criteria, earnings per share is diluted net income per share; free cash flow is net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment; and environmental sustainability is comprised of predefined goals related to the Company’s packaging and water security strategies in place at the time of grant. These performance criteria are adjusted for certain items, if applicable, which are subject to Audit Committee approval. The purpose of these adjustments is to ensure a consistent year-to-year comparison of the specific performance criteria. Performance share unit awards granted to executives in 2019 through 2022 and performance share unit awards granted to all participants in 2023 and 2024 include a relative TSR modifier to determine the final number of performance share units earned. The fair value of performance share units that include a TSR modifier is determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. For these awards, the
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number of performance share units earned based on the certified achievement of the predefined performance criteria will be reduced or increased if the Company’s total shareowner return over the performance period relative to a predefined group of companies falls outside of a predefined range. The fair value of performance share units that do not include a TSR modifier is the closing market price per share of the Company’s stock on the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the performance period. The performance share unit awards will generally vest at the end of the respective performance period.
For performance share unit awards, in the event the certified results equal the predefined performance criteria, the number of performance share units earned will be equal to the target award. In the event the certified results exceed the predefined performance criteria, additional performance share units up to the maximum award will be earned. In the event the certified results fall below the predefined performance criteria but are at or above the minimum threshold, a reduced number of performance share units will be earned. If the certified results fall below the minimum threshold, no performance share units will be earned. Performance share unit awards do not entitle participants to vote or receive dividends until the performance share units are settled in stock.
In the reporting period it becomes probable that the minimum performance threshold specified in the performance share unit award will be achieved, we recognize compensation expense for the proportionate share of the total fair value of the performance share units related to the vesting period that has already lapsed for the performance share units expected to vest. The remaining fair value of the performance share units expected to vest is expensed on a straight-line basis over the remainder of the vesting period. In the event the Company determines it is no longer probable that the minimum performance threshold specified in the award will be achieved, we reverse all previously recognized compensation expense in the reporting period such a determination is made.
Performance share units earned are generally settled in stock, except for certain circumstances such as death or disability, in which case beneficiaries or employees are provided cash payments. As of December 31, 2024, nonvested performance share units of approximately 1,216,000 and 1,323,000 were outstanding for the 2023-2025 and 2024-2026 performance periods, respectively, based on the target award amounts.
The following table summarizes information about outstanding nonvested performance share units based on the target award levels:
Performance Share Units
(In thousands)
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested on January 1, 2024 2,854  $ 58.48 
Granted 1,348  57.16 
Vested1
(1,477) 58.87 
Forfeited (186) 58.15 
Nonvested on December 31, 20242
2,539  $ 56.91 
1Represents the target level of performance share units vested as of December 31, 2024 for the 2022-2024 performance period. Upon certification in February 2025 of the financial results for the performance period, the final number of shares earned will be determined and released.
2The outstanding nonvested performance share units as of December 31, 2024 at the threshold award and maximum award levels were approximately 952,000 and 6,348,000, respectively.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance share unit awards granted in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $57.16, $56.63 and $59.61, respectively.
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The following table summarizes information about vested performance share units based on the certified award level:
2021-2023 Annual Award
Performance Share Units
(In thousands)
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Certified 3,611  $ 49.37 
Released during 2024 (3,609) 49.37 
Forfeited during 2024 (2) $ 49.37 
The total intrinsic value of performance share units that were released was $214 million, $244 million and $125 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Time-Based Restricted Stock, Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards and Matching Share Awards
Restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and matching share awards granted under the 2024 Equity Plan, the GESPP, and the 2014 Equity Plan do not entitle recipients to vote or receive dividends during the vesting period and will be forfeited in the event of the recipient’s termination of employment, except for certain circumstances such as death or disability. The fair value of restricted stock, restricted stock units and matching share awards is the closing market price per share of the Company’s stock on the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the vesting period. The fair value of the restricted stock, restricted stock units and matching share awards expected to vest and be released is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
The following table summarizes information about outstanding nonvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and matching share awards:
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Matching Share Awards
(In thousands)
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested on January 1, 2024 3,493  $ 52.91 
Granted 2,067  56.11 
Vested and released (1,051) 47.08 
Forfeited (299) 55.50 
Nonvested on December 31, 2024 4,210  $ 55.75 
NOTE 14: PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Our Company sponsors a qualified pension plan covering substantially all U.S. employees as well as unfunded nonqualified pension plans covering certain U.S. employees. Our Company also sponsors postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans covering certain U.S. employees. In addition, our Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans and other forms of postretirement benefit arrangements outside the United States.
As of December 31, 2024, the U.S. qualified pension plan represented 64% and 58% of the Company’s consolidated projected benefit obligation and pension plan assets, respectively.
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Obligations and Funded Status
The following table sets forth the changes in the benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in millions):
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023
Benefit obligation at beginning of year1
$ 6,544  $ 6,376  $ 297  $ 495 
Service cost 105  94  3  4 
Interest cost 306  322  17  27 
Participant contributions 6  5  18  9 
Foreign currency exchange rate changes (124) 27  (3) (4)
Amendments (2)     1 
Net actuarial loss (gain) (213)
2
375 
2
11  14 
Benefits paid (478) (369) (65) (62)
Divestitures (78)   (1)  
Settlements (22) (287)
3
(92)
4
(187)
5
Curtailments (1)      
Special termination benefits 1  1     
Other 1       
Benefit obligation at end of year1
$ 6,045  $ 6,544  $ 185  $ 297 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 7,260  $ 7,158  $ 176  $ 373 
Actual return on plan assets 345  537  6  17 
Employer contributions 31  44     
Participant contributions 6  5  12  7 
Foreign currency exchange rate changes (203) 76     
Transfers (523)
6
     
Benefits paid (410) (300) (33) (34)
Divestitures
(62)      
Settlements (9) (260)
3
(92)
4
(187)
5
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 6,435  $ 7,260  $ 69  $ 176 
Net asset (liability) recognized $ 390  $ 716  $ (116) $ (121)
1 For pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For other postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $6,008 million and $6,463 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
2 A change in the weighted-average discount rate assumption was the primary driver of net actuarial loss (gain) during 2024 and 2023. For our U.S. qualified pension plan, an increase in the discount rate resulted in an actuarial gain of $178 million during 2024, and a decrease in the discount rate resulted in an actuarial loss of $129 million during 2023. Additional drivers of net actuarial loss (gain) included other assumption updates and plan experience.
3 Settlements primarily related to the U.S. qualified pension plan, which was amended in 2023 to provide lump sum payment options to all former employees. The U.S. qualified pension plan made $259 million of lump sum payments in 2023, causing a plan settlement, which resulted in recognition of a $76 million settlement loss related to the acceleration of existing unrecognized losses.
4 In 2024, the Company settled its U.S. other postretirement benefit obligations such that core life insurance benefits will be funded by an insurance company beginning September 11, 2024 for the lifetime of certain retirees. The transaction resulted in no change to underlying benefits or plan administration, but only to the future financing of the benefits. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company transferred $92 million of plan assets and liabilities to an insurer and recognized a $19 million net settlement gain related to the acceleration of existing unrecognized gains.
5 In 2023, the Company settled its U.S. post-65 other postretirement benefit obligations such that retiree reimbursement accounts will be funded by an insurance company beginning January 1, 2025 for the lifetime of certain retirees and their eligible dependents. The transaction resulted in no change to underlying benefits or plan administration, but only to the future financing of the benefits. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company transferred $187 million of plan assets and liabilities to an insurer and recognized a $14 million net settlement gain related to the acceleration of existing unrecognized gains.
6 Transfers represent $523 million of surplus international plan assets transferred from pension trusts to general assets of the Company.
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Pension and other postretirement benefit plan amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in millions):
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023
Other noncurrent assets $ 1,219  $ 1,543  $   $  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (68) (67) (6) (4)
Other noncurrent liabilities (761) (760) (110) (117)
Net asset (liability) recognized $ 390  $ 716  $ (116) $ (121)
Certain of our pension plans have a projected benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets. For these plans, the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Projected benefit obligation $ 4,902  $ 5,270 
Fair value of plan assets 4,072  4,443 
Certain of our pension plans have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets. For these plans, the accumulated benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 4,882  $ 5,165 
Fair value of plan assets 4,072  4,379 
All of our other postretirement benefit plans have an accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets.
Pension Plan Assets
The following table presents total assets by asset class for our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans (in millions):
U.S. Pension Plans Non-U.S. Pension Plans
December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023
Cash and cash equivalents $ 160  $ 203  $ 419  $ 172 
Equity securities:
U.S.-based companies 469  457  582  721 
International-based companies 248  208  455  713 
Fixed-income securities:
Government bonds 626  848  383  538 
Corporate bonds and debt securities 442  426  104  153 
Mutual, pooled and commingled funds1
210  243  477  535 
Hedge funds/limited partnerships 1,004  1,038  19  19 
Real estate 341  367    9 
Derivative financial instruments     (63) 33 
Other 261  266  298  311 
Total pension plan assets2
$ 3,761  $ 4,056  $ 2,674  $ 3,204 
1 Mutual, pooled and commingled funds include investments in equity securities, fixed-income securities and combinations of both. There are a significant number of mutual, pooled and commingled funds from which investors can choose. The selection of the type of fund is dictated by the specific investment objectives and needs of a given plan. These objectives and needs vary greatly between plans.
2 Fair value disclosures related to our pension plan assets are included in Note 17. Fair value disclosures include, but are not limited to, the levels within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall; a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Level 3 assets; and information about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure the fair value of our pension plan assets.
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Investment Strategy for U.S. Pension Plan
The Company utilizes the services of investment managers to actively manage the assets of our U.S. qualified pension plan. We have established asset allocation targets and investment guidelines with each investment manager. Our asset allocation targets promote optimal expected return and volatility characteristics given the long-term time horizon for fulfilling the obligations of the plan. Selection of the targeted asset allocation for U.S. pension plan assets is 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. Our target allocation is a mix of 21% equity securities, 47% fixed-income securities and 32% alternative investments. We believe this target allocation will enable us to achieve the following long-term investment objectives:
(1)optimize the long-term return on plan assets at an acceptable level of risk;
(2)maintain a broad diversification across asset classes and among investment managers; and
(3)maintain careful control of the risk level within each asset class.
The investment guidelines that have been established with each investment manager provide 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. Investment managers agree to obtain written approval for deviations from stated investment style or guidelines. As of December 31, 2024, no investment manager was responsible for more than 24% of total U.S. pension plan assets.
Our target allocation of 21% equity securities is primarily composed of public equities. Optimal returns are achieved through security selection as well as country and sector diversification. As of December 31, 2024, investments in our common stock accounted for 9% of total equity securities and 4% of total U.S. pension plan assets. Our investments in public equities are intended to provide diversified exposure to both U.S. and non-U.S. equity markets.
Our target allocation of 47% fixed-income securities is composed of 62% long-duration bonds and 38% with multi-strategy alternative credit managers. Long-duration bonds are intended to provide a stable rate of return through investments in high-quality publicly traded debt securities. Our investments in long-duration bonds are diversified in order to mitigate duration and credit exposure. Multi-strategy alternative credit managers invest in a combination of high-yield bonds, bank loans, structured credit and emerging market debt. These investments are in lower-rated and non-rated debt securities, which generally produce higher returns compared to long-duration bonds and also help diversify our overall fixed-income portfolio.
Our target allocation for alternative investments is 32%. These alternative investments include hedge funds, reinsurance, private equity limited partnerships and real estate. The objective of investing in alternative investments is to provide a higher rate of return than that which is typically available from publicly traded equity securities. Alternative investments are inherently illiquid and require a long-term perspective in evaluating investment performance.
Investment Strategy for Non-U.S. Pension Plans
The long-term target allocation for 64% of our international subsidiaries’ pension plan assets, primarily certain of our European and Canadian plans, is 58% equity securities, 29% fixed-income securities and 13% other investments. The actual allocation for the remaining 36% of the Company’s international subsidiaries’ pension plan assets consisted of 39% mutual, pooled and commingled funds; 24% fixed-income securities; 1% equity securities; and 36% other investments as of December 31, 2024. The investment strategies for our international subsidiaries’ pension plans vary greatly, and in some instances are influenced by local law. None of our pension plans outside the United States is individually significant for separate disclosure.
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Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)
Net periodic benefit cost or income for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following (in millions):
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022
Service cost $ 105  $ 94  $ 93  $ 3  $ 4  $ 7 
Interest cost 306  322  232  17  27  17 
Expected return on plan assets1
(469) (475) (558) (7) (14) (16)
Amortization of prior service cost
   (credit)
1  1    (3) (3) (3)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
   (gain)2
103  96  109  (4) (5)  
Settlement loss (gain) (2) 81 
3
(1) (19)
4
(14)
5
 
Curtailment loss (gain) (1)   (1)      
Special termination benefits 1  1  1       
Other 1    1       
Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 45  $ 120  $ (124) $ (13) $ (5) $ 5 
1The Company has elected to use the actual fair value of plan assets as the market-related value of plan assets in the determination of the expected return on plan assets.
2Actuarial gains and losses are amortized using a corridor approach. The gain/loss corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation and the market-related value of assets. Gains and losses in excess of the corridor are generally amortized over the average future working lifetime of the plan participants.
3Settlements primarily related to the U.S. qualified pension plan, which was amended in 2023 to provide lump sum payment options to all former employees. The U.S. qualified pension plan made $259 million of lump sum payments in 2023, causing a plan settlement, which resulted in recognition of a $76 million settlement loss related to the acceleration of existing unrecognized losses.
4In 2024, the Company settled its U.S. other postretirement benefit obligations such that core life insurance benefits will be funded by an insurance company beginning September 11, 2024 for the lifetime of certain retirees. The transaction resulted in no change to underlying benefits or plan administration, but only to the future financing of the benefits. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company transferred $92 million of plan assets and liabilities to an insurer and recognized a $19 million net settlement gain related to the acceleration of existing unrecognized gains.
5In 2023, the Company settled its U.S. post-65 other postretirement benefit obligations such that retiree reimbursement accounts will be funded by an insurance company beginning January 1, 2025 for the lifetime of certain retirees and their eligible dependents. The transaction resulted in no change to underlying benefits or plan administration, but only to the future financing of the benefits. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company transferred $187 million of plan assets and liabilities to an insurer and recognized a $14 million net settlement gain related to the acceleration of existing unrecognized gains.
All of the amounts in the table above, other than service cost, were recorded in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statements of income.
Impact on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table sets forth the pretax changes in AOCI for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in millions):
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023
Balance in AOCI at beginning of year $ (1,906) $ (1,755) $ 61  $ 95 
Recognized prior service cost (credit) 1  1 

(3) (3)
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 100  177  (23) (19)
Prior service credit (cost) occurring during the year 2      (1)
Net actuarial gain (loss) occurring during the year 90  (313) (12) (12)
Divestitures (6)      
Net foreign currency translation adjustments 25  (16) (2) 1 
Balance in AOCI at end of year $ (1,694) $ (1,906) $ 21  $ 61 
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The following table sets forth the pretax amounts in AOCI for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans (in millions):
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023
Prior service credit (cost) $ (14) $ (17) $ 15  $ 20 
Net actuarial gain (loss) (1,680) (1,889) 6  41 
Balance in AOCI at end of year $ (1,694) $ (1,906) $ 21  $ 61 
Assumptions
Certain weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023
Discount rate 5.50  % 5.00  % 6.75  % 6.25  %
Interest crediting rate 4.25  % 3.75  % N/A N/A
Rate of increase in compensation levels 4.00  % 4.00  % N/A N/A
Certain weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost or income were as follows:
Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022
Discount rate 5.00  % 5.50  % 3.00  % 6.25  % 6.00  % 3.25  %
Interest crediting rate 3.75  % 4.00  % 3.00  % N/A N/A N/A
Rate of increase in compensation levels 4.00  % 3.75  % 3.75  % N/A N/A N/A
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00  % 6.75  % 7.00  % 4.50  % 3.75  % 4.00  %
The discount rate assumption used to account for pension and other postretirement benefit plans reflects the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. The discount rate for U.S. and certain non-U.S. plans is determined using a yield curve, developed from high-quality debt securities. Plan obligations are determined by applying projected cash flows to the individual spot rates from the yield curve. The disclosed discount rate is the rate that would produce the same obligation as the applicable yield curve. For other non-U.S. plans, we base the discount rate assumption on comparable indices within each of the countries. The Company measures the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost or income for pension and other postretirement benefit plans by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the plans’ projected benefit cash flows, or for other non-U.S. plans referenced above, this is measured using the discount rate derived from appropriate indices. The rate of compensation increase assumption is determined by the Company based upon annual reviews.
The cash balance interest crediting rate for the U.S. qualified pension plan is based on the yield on six-month U.S. Treasury bills on the last day of September of the previous plan year, plus 150 basis points, with a minimum interest crediting rate of 3.80% for all active employees and certain former employees. The Company assumes that the ultimate interest crediting rate is 140 basis points lower than the plan’s year-end discount rate and that the current interest crediting rate will converge with the ultimate interest crediting rate after a period of 10 years.
The expected long-term rate of return assumption for U.S. pension 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 expected long-term rate of return assumption on an annual basis. The expected long-term rate of return assumption used in computing 2024 net periodic benefit income for the U.S. pension plans was 6.75%. As of December 31, 2024, the 5-year, 10-year and 15-year annualized return for the U.S. pension plan assets was 3.7%, 5.5% and 7.1%, respectively. The annualized return since inception was 9.7%.
The weighted-average assumptions for health care cost trend rates were as follows:
December 31, 2024 2023
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 9.00  % 8.50  %
Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 8.25  % 6.00  %
Year that the trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2029 2029
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We review external data and our own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rate assumptions. The Company’s U.S. postretirement health care benefits are primarily provided through plans with either a capped Company cost or a defined-dollar benefit. This limits the effects of health care inflation on the Company.
Cash Flows
The expected benefit payments for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the 10 years succeeding December 31, 2024 are as follows (in millions):
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030-2034
Benefit payments for pension plans $ 567  $ 552  $ 568  $ 587  $ 525  $ 2,372 
Benefit payments for other postretirement
   benefit plans
21  19  18  16  15  70 
Total $ 588  $ 571  $ 586  $ 603  $ 540  $ 2,442 
The Company anticipates making contributions of approximately $30 million to our pension trusts in 2025, all of which will be allocated to our international plans. These contributions are made in accordance with local laws and tax regulations.
Defined Contribution Plans
Our Company sponsors qualified defined contribution plans covering substantially all U.S. employees. Under the largest U.S. defined contribution plan, we match participants’ contributions up to a maximum of 3.5% of compensation, subject to an IRS limit on compensation. The Company’s expense for the U.S. plans totaled $52 million, $44 million and $45 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We also sponsor defined contribution plans in certain locations outside the United States. The Company’s expense for these plans totaled $85 million, $82 million and $79 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
NOTE 15: INCOME TAXES
Income before income taxes consisted of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
United States $ 3,757  $ 2,766  $ 3,452 
International 9,329  10,186  8,234 
Total $ 13,086  $ 12,952  $ 11,686 
Income taxes consisted of the following (in millions):
United States State and Local International Total
2024        
Current $ 324  $ 143  $ 1,981  $ 2,448 
Deferred (254) (134) 377  (11)
2023        
Current $ 83  $ 129  $ 2,039  $ 2,251 
Deferred (135) (78) 211  (2)
2022        
Current $ 468  $ 118  $ 1,651  $ 2,237 
Deferred (121) (4) 3  (122)
We made income tax payments of $3,262 million, $2,580 million and $2,403 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which included $964 million, $723 million and $385 million, respectively, of the one-time transition tax required by the Tax Reform Act. The 2024 amount does not include $6.0 billion paid in relation to invoices the IRS issued for the 2007 through 2009 tax years resulting from the Tax Court’s decision. Refer to Note 12.
In 2024, the Company invested $226 million in limited partnerships that receive tax credits and other tax benefits by constructing, owning and operating alternative energy generation facilities. During 2024, the Company received tax credits and other income tax benefits of $323 million and recognized amortization expense of $308 million related to these investments. The amount of non-income tax-related activity and other returns related to these investments was not material during 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the carrying value of these investments was $41 million. The Company expects to fulfill $123 million of unfunded commitments related to these investments in the first quarter of 2025.
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Our effective tax rate reflects the tax benefits of having significant operations outside the United States, which are generally taxed at rates lower than the statutory U.S. federal tax rate. As a result of employment actions and capital investments made by the Company, certain tax jurisdictions provide income tax incentive grants, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Singapore and Eswatini. The terms of these grants expire from 2025 to 2036. We anticipate that we will be able to extend or renew the grants in these locations. The decision of whether we decide to pursue the renewal of these grants and the impact of the grants going forward is dependent on various factors. Tax incentive grants favorably impacted our income tax expense by $346 million, $332 million and $406 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, our effective tax rate reflects the benefits of having significant earnings generated in investments accounted for under the equity method.
A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate and our effective tax rate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate 21.0  % 21.0  % 21.0  %
State and local income taxes — net of federal benefit 1.1  1.1  1.4 
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory U.S.
   federal tax rate
1.0 
1
(0.3) (0.6)
Equity income or loss (2.6) (2.1) (2.7)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation (0.5) (0.3) (0.7)
Other — net (1.4) (2.0)
2
(0.3)
Effective tax rate 18.6  % 17.4  % 18.1  %
1Includes net tax expense of $161 million (or a 1.2% impact on our effective tax rate) related to agreed-upon tax issues with certain foreign jurisdictions.
2Includes a net tax benefit of $118 million (or a 0.9% impact on our effective tax rate) related to domestic provision to return adjustments, as well as for various discrete tax items. Also includes a tax benefit of $88 million (or a 0.7% impact on our effective tax rate) associated with the change in the Company’s indefinite reinvestment assertion for our Philippines and Bangladesh bottling operations.
As of December 31, 2024, we have not recorded incremental income taxes for additional outside basis differences of $9.3 billion in our investments in foreign subsidiaries, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any additional outside basis differences in these entities is not practicable.
The Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provisions of the Tax Reform Act require the Company to include in its U.S. income tax return each foreign subsidiary’s earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary’s tangible assets. An accounting policy election is available to either account for the tax effects of GILTI in the period that is subject to such taxes or to provide deferred taxes for book and tax basis differences that upon reversal may be subject to such taxes. We have elected to account for the tax effects of these provisions in the period that is subject to such tax and the impact is reflected in our full year provision.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in all applicable jurisdictions, including the U.S. federal jurisdiction, U.S. state jurisdictions and foreign jurisdictions. U.S. tax authorities have completed their federal income tax examinations for all years prior to 2007. With respect to U.S. state jurisdictions and foreign jurisdictions, with limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for years prior to 2007. For U.S. federal and state tax purposes, the net operating losses and tax credit carryovers that were acquired in connection with our acquisition of Coca‑Cola Enterprises Inc.’s former North America business and that were generated from 1990 through 2010 are subject to adjustments until the year in which they are utilized is no longer subject to examination. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, including interest and penalties, have been provided for in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance.
On November 18, 2020, the Tax Court issued the Opinion regarding the Company’s 2015 litigation with the IRS involving transfer pricing tax adjustments in which it predominantly sided with the IRS. On November 8, 2023, the Tax Court issued a supplemental opinion, siding with the IRS in concluding both that the blocked-income regulations apply to the Company’s operations and that the Tax Court opinion in 3M Co. & Subs. v. Commissioner (February 9, 2023) controlled as to the validity of those regulations. On August 2, 2024, the Tax Court entered a decision reflecting additional federal income tax of $2.7 billion for the 2007 through 2009 tax years. With applicable interest, the total liability for the 2007 through 2009 tax years resulting from the Tax Court’s decision is $6.0 billion. On October 22, 2024, the Company appealed the Tax Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Company strongly disagrees with the Opinions and intends to vigorously defend its positions. Refer to Note 12.
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As of December 31, 2024, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $880 million. If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the net effect would be a benefit of $607 million, exclusive of any benefits related to interest and penalties. The remaining $273 million primarily represents tax benefits that would be received in different tax jurisdictions in the event the Company did not prevail on all uncertain tax positions.
A reconciliation of the changes in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 929  $ 926  $ 906 
Increase related to prior period tax positions 33  2  6 
Decrease related to prior period tax positions (52) (25)  
Increase related to current period tax positions 30  32  38 
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities (57)   (2)
Decrease due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations   (2)  
Effect of foreign currency translation (3) (4) (22)
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 880  $ 929  $ 926 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the line item income taxes in our consolidated statement of income. The Company had $631 million, $544 million and $496 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Of these amounts, expense of $87 million, $48 million and $43 million was recognized in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the reversal of this accrual would be a benefit to the Company’s effective tax rate.
It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months; however, we do not expect any changes will have a significant impact on our consolidated statement of income or consolidated balance sheet. These changes may be the result of settlements of ongoing audits, statutes of limitations expiring or final settlements in transfer pricing matters that are the subject of litigation. Currently, an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible outcomes cannot be made.
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The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Deferred tax assets:    
Property, plant and equipment $ 23  $ 25 
Goodwill and intangible assets 1,133  1,414 
Equity method investments (including net foreign currency translation adjustments) 503  239 
Derivative financial instruments 332  156 
Other liabilities 2,650  1,709 
Benefit plans 483  554 
Net operating loss, and other carryforwards 874  357 
Other 325  361 
Gross deferred tax assets 6,323  4,815 
Valuation allowances (485) (396)
Total deferred tax assets $ 5,838  $ 4,419 
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Property, plant and equipment $ (777) $ (748)
Goodwill and intangible assets (1,750) (1,917)
Equity method investments (including net foreign currency translation adjustments) (1,649) (1,633)
Derivative financial instruments (877) (282)
Other liabilities (443) (330)
Benefit plans (441) (428)
Other (1,051)
1
(159)
Total deferred tax liabilities $ (6,988) $ (5,497)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (1,150) $ (1,078)
1Includes deferred tax associated with timing differences related to the IRS Tax Litigation Deposit. Refer to Note 12.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $1,583 million of loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income. Loss carryforwards of $327 million must be utilized within the next five years, and the remainder can be utilized over a period greater than five years. In addition, we had $2,253 million of Internal Revenue Code 163(j) interest carryforwards, which will carryforward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2024, we also had foreign tax credit carryforwards of $99 million, which must be utilized within the next ten years.
An analysis of our deferred tax asset valuation allowances is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Balance at beginning of year $ 396  $ 424  $ 401 
Additions 141  28  47 
Deductions (52) (56) (24)
Balance at end of year $ 485  $ 396  $ 424 
The Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowances are primarily the result of uncertainties regarding the future realization of recorded tax benefits on tax loss carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards from operations in various jurisdictions and basis differences in certain equity investments. Current evidence does not suggest that we will realize sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character within the carryforward period to allow us to realize these deferred tax benefits. If we were to identify and implement tax planning strategies to recover these deferred tax assets or generate sufficient income of the appropriate character in these jurisdictions in the future, it could lead to the reversal of these valuation allowances and a reduction of income tax expense. The Company believes that it will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the tax benefits related to the remaining net deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheet.
In 2024, the Company recognized a net increase of $89 million in its valuation allowances, primarily due to significant negative evidence on the utilization of excess foreign tax credits. The increase was partially offset by decreases in the deferred tax
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assets and related valuation allowances on a certain equity method investment and the changes in net operating losses in the normal course of business.
In 2023, the Company recognized a net decrease of $28 million in its valuation allowances, primarily due to net decreases in the deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances on a certain equity method investment, certain excess foreign tax credit carryforwards and the changes in net operating losses in the normal course of business.
In 2022, the Company recognized a net increase of $23 million in its valuation allowances. The increase was primarily due to significant negative evidence on the utilization of excess foreign tax credits generated in the current year. The increase was also due to net increases in the deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances on certain equity method investments and the changes in net operating losses in the normal course of business.
NOTE 16: OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
AOCI attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company is separately presented in our consolidated balance sheet as a component of The Coca-Cola Company’s shareowners’ equity, which also includes our proportionate share of equity method investees’ AOCI. OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests is allocated to, and included in, our consolidated balance sheet as part of the line item equity attributable to noncontrolling interests.
AOCI attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company consisted of the following, net of tax (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
Net foreign currency translation adjustments $ (15,610) $ (12,726)
Accumulated net gains (losses) on derivatives 116  (154)
Unrealized net gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities (64) (1)
Adjustments to pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (1,285) (1,394)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (16,843) $ (14,275)
The following table summarizes the allocation of total comprehensive income between shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company and noncontrolling interests (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Shareowners of
The Coca-Cola Company
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Consolidated net income $ 10,631  $ 18  $ 10,649 
Other comprehensive income:
Net foreign currency translation adjustments (2,884) (9) (2,893)
Net gains (losses) on derivatives1
270    270 
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt
   securities2
(63)   (63)
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities3
109    109 
Total comprehensive income $ 8,063  $ 9  $ 8,072 
1Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the net gains or losses on derivative instruments.
2Refer to Note 4 for additional information related to the net unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale debt securities.
3Refer to Note 14 for additional information related to the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities.
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The following tables present OCI attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola Company, including our proportionate share of equity method investees’ OCI (in millions):
Before-Tax Amount Income Tax After-Tax Amount
2024
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year $ (2,427) $ 263  $ (2,164)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 103    103 
Gains (losses) on intra-entity transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (1,455)   (1,455)
Gains (losses) on net investment hedges arising during the year1
844  (212) 632 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments $ (2,935) $ 51  $ (2,884)
Derivatives:
Gains (losses) arising during the year $ 405  $ (98) $ 307 
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income (50) 13  (37)
Net gains (losses) on derivatives1
$ 355  $ (85) $ 270 
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year $ (93) $ 31  $ (62)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income (2) 1  (1)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities2
$ (95) $ 32  $ (63)
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities:
Net pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities arising during the year $ 83  $ (25) $ 58 
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 69  (18) 51 
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities3
$ 152  $ (43) $ 109 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola
   Company
$ (2,523) $ (45) $ (2,568)
2023
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year $ 366  $ (131) $ 235 
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 223    223 
Gains (losses) on intra-entity transactions that are of a long-term investment nature 712    712 
Gains (losses) on net investment hedges arising during the year1
(382) 95  (287)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments $ 919  $ (36) $ 883 
Derivatives:
Gains (losses) arising during the year $ (194) $ 23  $ (171)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income (10) 3  (7)
Net gains (losses) on derivatives1
$ (204) $ 26  $ (178)
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year $ 28  $ (10) $ 18 
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 7  (1) 6 
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities2
$ 35  $ (11) $ 24 
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities:
Net pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities arising during the year $ (314) $ 80  $ (234)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 157  (32) 125 
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities3
$ (157) $ 48  $ (109)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola
   Company
$ 593  $ 27  $ 620 
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Before-Tax Amount Income Tax After-Tax Amount
2022
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year $ (125) $ (226) $ (351)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 200    200 
Gains (losses) on intra-entity transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (1,419)   (1,419)
Gains (losses) on net investment hedges arising during the year1
741  (185) 556 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments $ (603) $ (411) $ (1,014)
Derivatives:
Gains (losses) arising during the year $ 165  $ (40) $ 125 
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income (161) 40  (121)
Net gains (losses) on derivatives1
$ 4  $   $ 4 
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year $ (69) $ 4  $ (65)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 131  (29) 102 
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities2
$ 62  $ (25) $ 37 
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities:
Net pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities arising during the year $ 420  $ (90) $ 330 
Reclassification adjustments recognized in net income 104  (26) 78 
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities3
$ 524  $ (116) $ 408 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareowners of The Coca-Cola
   Company
$ (13) $ (552) $ (565)
1Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the net gains or losses on derivative instruments.
2Refer to Note 4 for additional information related to the net unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale debt securities.
3Refer to Note 14 for additional information related to the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities.
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The following table presents the reclassifications from AOCI into income recorded during the year ended December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Description of AOCI Component Financial Statement Line Item Impacted Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Divestitures1
Other income (loss) — net $ 103 
Income before income taxes 103 
Income taxes  
Consolidated net income $ 103 
Derivatives:
Foreign currency contracts Net operating revenues $ (84)
Foreign currency and commodity contracts Cost of goods sold (17)
Foreign currency and interest rate contracts Interest expense 6 
Foreign currency contracts Other income (loss) — net 45 
Income before income taxes (50)
Income taxes 13 
Consolidated net income $ (37)
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Sale of debt securities Other income (loss) — net $ (2)
Income before income taxes (2)
Income taxes 1 
Consolidated net income $ (1)
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities:
Divestitures2
Other income (loss) — net $ (6)
Settlement loss (gain) Other income (loss) — net (21)
Curtailment loss (gain) Other income (loss) — net (1)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) Other income (loss) — net 99 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Other income (loss) — net (2)
Income before income taxes 69 
Income taxes (18)
Consolidated net income $ 51 
1 Related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in the Philippines and Bangladesh and the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Thailand. Refer to Note 2.
2 Primarily related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in the Philippines and Bangladesh. Refer to Note 2.
NOTE 17: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1. We value assets and liabilities included in this level using dealer and broker quotations, certain pricing models, bid prices, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
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Recurring Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. For our Company, the only assets and liabilities that are adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis are investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values, debt securities classified as trading or available-for-sale, derivative financial instruments and our contingent consideration liability. Additionally, the Company adjusts the carrying value of certain long-term debt as a result of the Company’s fair value hedging strategy.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
The fair values of our investments in debt and equity securities using quoted market prices from daily exchange traded markets are based on the closing price as of the balance sheet date and are classified as Level 1. The fair values of our investments in debt and equity securities classified as Level 2 are priced using quoted market prices for similar instruments or nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data. Inputs into these valuation techniques include actual trade data, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes and other similar data. These inputs are obtained from quoted market prices, independent pricing vendors or other sources.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair values of our futures contracts are primarily determined using quoted contract prices on futures exchange markets. The fair values of these instruments are based on the closing contract prices as of the balance sheet date and are classified as Level 1.
The fair values of our derivative instruments other than futures are determined using standard valuation models. The significant inputs used in these models are readily available in public markets, or can be derived from observable market transactions, and therefore have been classified as Level 2. Inputs used in these standard valuation models for derivative instruments other than futures include the applicable exchange rates, forward rates, interest rates, discount rates and commodity prices. The standard valuation model for options also uses implied volatility as an additional input. The discount rates are based on the historical U.S. Deposit or U.S. Treasury rates, and the implied volatility specific to options is based on quoted rates from financial institutions.
Included in the fair values of derivative instruments is an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The adjustment is based on current credit default swap (“CDS”) rates applied to each contract, by counterparty. We use our counterparty’s CDS rate when we are in an asset position and our own CDS rate when we are in a liability position. The adjustment for nonperformance risk did not have a significant impact on the estimated fair values of our derivative instruments.
The following tables summarize those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
December 31, 2024
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Other3
Netting
Adjustment
4
Fair Value
Measurements
Assets:          
Equity securities with readily determinable values1
$ 1,790  $ 137  $ 13  $ 94  $   $ 2,034 
Debt securities1
  1,676        1,676 
Derivatives2
2  587      (370)
6
219 
8
Total assets $ 1,792  $ 2,400  $ 13  $ 94  $ (370) $ 3,929 
Liabilities:          
Contingent consideration liability $   $   $ 6,126 
5
$   $   $ 6,126 
Derivatives2
  1,119      (1,097)
7
22 
8
Total liabilities $   $ 1,119  $ 6,126  $   $ (1,097) $ 6,148 
1Refer to Note 4 for additional information related to the composition of our equity securities with readily determinable values and debt securities.
2Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the composition of our derivatives portfolio.
3Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy but are included to reconcile to the amounts presented in Note 4.
4Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle net positive and negative positions and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties. There were no amounts subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements that management has chosen not to offset or that do not meet the offsetting requirements. Refer to Note 5.
5Represents the fair value of the remaining milestone payment related to our acquisition of fairlife in 2020, which is contingent on fairlife achieving certain financial targets through 2024 and is payable in 2025. This milestone payment is based on agreed-upon formulas related to
84    


fairlife’s operating results, the resulting value of which is not subject to a ceiling. The fair value was determined using discounted cash flow analyses. We are required to remeasure this liability to fair value quarterly, with any changes in the fair value recorded in income until the final milestone payment is made.
6The Company is obligated to return $12 million in cash collateral it has netted against its derivative position.
7The Company has the right to reclaim $735 million in cash collateral it has netted against its derivative position.
8The Company’s derivative financial instruments were recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as follows: $102 million in the line item prepaid expenses and other current assets, $117 million in the line item other noncurrent assets, and $22 million in the line item other noncurrent liabilities. Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the composition of our derivatives portfolio.
December 31, 2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Other3
Netting
Adjustment
4
Fair Value
Measurements
Assets:          
Equity securities with readily determinable values1
$ 1,727  $ 188  $ 6  $ 85  $   $ 2,006 
Debt securities1
  1,172  3      1,175 
Derivatives2
  275      (222)
6
53 
8
Total assets $ 1,727  $ 1,635  $ 9  $ 85  $ (222) $ 3,234 
Liabilities:          
Contingent consideration liability $   $   $ 3,017 
5
$   $   $ 3,017 
Derivatives2
3  1,445      (1,256)
7
192 
8
Total liabilities $ 3  $ 1,445  $ 3,017  $   $ (1,256) $ 3,209 
1Refer to Note 4 for additional information related to the composition of our equity securities with readily determinable values and debt securities.
2Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the composition of our derivatives portfolio.
3Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy but are included to reconcile to the amounts presented in Note 4.
4Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle net positive and negative positions and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties. There were no amounts subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements that management has chosen not to offset or that do not meet the offsetting requirements. Refer to Note 5.
5Represents the fair value of the remaining milestone payment related to our acquisition of fairlife, which is contingent on fairlife achieving certain financial targets through 2024 and, if achieved, is payable in 2025. This milestone payment is based on agreed-upon formulas related to fairlife’s operating results, the resulting value of which is not subject to a ceiling. The fair value was determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. We are required to remeasure this liability to fair value quarterly, with any changes in the fair value recorded in income until the final milestone payment is made. The Company made a milestone payment of $275 million during 2023.
6The Company is obligated to return $4 million in cash collateral it had netted against its derivative position.
7The Company had the right to reclaim $1,039 million in cash collateral it had netted against its derivative position.
8The Company’s derivative financial instruments were recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as follows: $53 million in the line item other noncurrent assets and $192 million in the line item other noncurrent liabilities. Refer to Note 5 for additional information related to the composition of our derivatives portfolio.
Gross realized and unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 assets and liabilities, excluding the contingent consideration liability, were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company recognizes transfers between levels within the hierarchy as of the beginning of the reporting period. Gross transfers between levels within the hierarchy were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
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Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required by U.S. GAAP. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges or as a result of observable changes in equity securities using the measurement alternative.
The gains and losses on assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized in the following table (in millions):
Gains (Losses)  
Year Ended December 31, 2024   2023  
Impairment of property, plant and equipment $ (63)
1
$ (46)
4
Other-than-temporary impairment charges (34)
2
(39)
5
Impairment of intangible assets (886)
3
 
Total $ (983) $ (85)
1The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $63 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to certain prototypes. This impairment charge, which was calculated based on Level 3 inputs, was driven by management’s strategic decision to cease use of the assets. This charge was recorded in the line item selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income.
2The Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $34 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to an equity method investee in Latin America. This impairment charge was derived using Level 3 inputs and was primarily driven by revised projections of future operating results. This charge was recorded in the line item other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statement of income.
3The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $760 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to our BodyArmor trademark in North America, which was primarily driven by revised projections of future operating results and higher discount rates resulting from changes in macroeconomic conditions since the acquisition date. The fair value of this trademark was derived using discounted cash flow analyses based on Level 3 inputs. This charge was recorded in the line item other operating charges in our consolidated statement of income. The remaining carrying value of the trademark is $3,400 million. Additionally, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $126 million related to a trademark in Latin America, which was primarily driven by revised projections of future operating results and changes in macroeconomic conditions. The fair value of this trademark was derived using discounted cash flow analyses based on Level 3 inputs. This charge was recorded in the line item other operating charges in our consolidated statement of income. The remaining carrying value of the trademark is $86 million.
4The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $25 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations in Asia Pacific. Additionally, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $21 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States. These charges, which were calculated based on Level 3 inputs, were primarily driven by management’s best estimate of the potential proceeds from the disposal of the related assets.
5The Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $39 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 related to an equity method investee in Latin America. This impairment charge was derived using Level 3 inputs and was primarily driven by revised projections of future operating results.
Fair Value Measurements for Pension Plan Assets
The fair value hierarchy discussed above is not only applicable to assets and liabilities that are included in our consolidated balance sheet but is also applied to certain other assets that impact our consolidated financial statements. For example, our Company sponsors a number of pension plans. Assets contributed to these plans by the Company become the property of the individual plans. Even though the Company no longer has control over these assets, our consolidated financial statements are impacted by subsequent fair value adjustments to these assets. The actual return on these assets impacts the Company’s future net periodic benefit cost or income as well as amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 14. The Company uses the fair value hierarchy to measure the fair value of assets held by our pension plans.
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The following table summarizes the levels within the fair value hierarchy for our pension plan assets (in millions):
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other
1
Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other
1
Total
Cash and cash equivalents $ 203  $ 376  $   $   $ 579  $ 163  $ 212  $   $   $ 375 
Equity securities:    
U.S.-based companies 1,022  1  28    1,051  1,148    30    1,178 
International-based companies 691  10  2    703  904  15  2    921 
Fixed-income securities:
Government bonds 79  930      1,009  107  1,279      1,386 
Corporate bonds and debt
   securities
  529  17    546    552  27    579 
Mutual, pooled and commingled
   funds
24  277    386 
4
687  12  257    509 
8
778 
Hedge funds/limited
   partnerships
      1,023 
5
1,023        1,057 
5
1,057 
Real estate       341 
6
341        376 
6
376 
Derivative financial instruments   (63)
2
    (63)   33 
2
    33 
Other     311 
3
248 
7
559      323 
3
254 
7
577 
Total $ 2,019  $ 2,060  $ 358  $ 1,998  $ 6,435  $ 2,334  $ 2,348  $ 382  $ 2,196  $ 7,260 
1Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy but are included to reconcile to the amounts presented in Note 14.
2This class of assets includes investments in interest rate contracts, credit contracts and foreign exchange contracts.
3Includes purchased annuity insurance contracts.
4This class of assets primarily includes a mortgage-related fixed income securities fund, alternative investment funds and collective trust funds for qualified plans. There are no liquidity restrictions on these investments.
5This class of assets includes hedge funds that can be subject to redemption restrictions, ranging from monthly to semiannually, with a redemption notice period of up to one year and/or initial lock-up periods of up to three years, and private equity funds that are primarily closed-end funds in which the Company’s investments are generally not eligible for redemption. Distributions from these private equity funds will be received as the underlying assets are liquidated or distributed.
6This class of assets includes funds invested in real estate, including a privately held real estate investment trust, a real estate commingled pension trust fund, infrastructure limited partnerships and commingled investment funds. These funds seek current income and capital appreciation and can be subject to quarterly redemption restrictions, with a redemption notice period of up to 90 days.
7Primarily includes segregated portfolios of private investment funds that are invested in a portfolio of insurance-linked securities. These assets can be subject to a semiannual redemption, with a redemption notice period of 90 days, subject to certain gate restrictions.
8This class of assets includes actively managed emerging markets equity funds and a collective trust fund for qualified plans, invested primarily in equity securities of companies in developing and emerging markets. There are no liquidity restrictions on these investments.
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The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of our Level 3 pension plan assets (in millions):
Equity
Securities
Fixed-Income Securities
Other1
Total
2023        
Balance at beginning of year $ 27  $ 30  $ 300  $ 357 
Actual return on plan assets 1  (2) 8  7 
Purchases, sales and settlements — net   (1) 7  6 
Transfers into (out of) Level 3 — net 4      4 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments     8  8 
Balance at end of year $ 32  $ 27  $ 323  $ 382 
2024      
Balance at beginning of year $ 32  $ 27  $ 323  $ 382 
Actual return on plan assets 1  2  8  11 
Purchases, sales and settlements — net (3) (12) (2) (17)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments     (18) (18)
Balance at end of year $ 30  $ 17  $ 311  $ 358 
1Includes purchased annuity insurance contracts.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents; short-term investments; trade accounts receivable; accounts payable and accrued expenses; and loans and notes payable approximate their fair values because of the relatively short-term maturities of these financial instruments. As of December 31, 2024, the carrying value and fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, were $43,023 million and $38,052 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying value and fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, were $37,507 million and $33,445 million, respectively.
NOTE 18: SIGNIFICANT OPERATING AND NONOPERATING ITEMS
Other Operating Charges
In 2024, the Company recorded other operating charges of $4,163 million. These charges consisted of $3,109 million related to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition, $760 million related to the impairment of our BodyArmor trademark, $133 million related to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program and $126 million related to the impairment of a trademark in Latin America. In addition, other operating charges included $15 million for the amortization of noncompete agreements related to the acquisition of BA Sports Nutrition, LLC (“BodyArmor”) in 2021, $13 million related to an indemnification agreement entered into as a part of the refranchising of certain of our bottling operations, $7 million of transaction costs related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in certain territories in India and $2 million of transaction costs related to the sale of a portion of our interest in Coke Consolidated. These charges were partially offset by a net benefit of $2 million related to a revision of management’s estimates for tax litigation expense.
In 2023, the Company recorded other operating charges of $1,951 million. These charges consisted of $1,702 million related to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition, $164 million related to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program and $35 million related to the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations in Asia Pacific. In addition, other operating charges included $27 million related to the restructuring of our North America operating unit, $15 million for the amortization of noncompete agreements related to the BodyArmor acquisition and $8 million related to tax litigation expense.
In 2022, the Company recorded other operating charges of $1,215 million. These charges primarily consisted of $1,000 million related to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition, $85 million related to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program and $57 million related to the impairment of a trademark in Asia Pacific. In addition, other operating charges included $38 million related to the restructuring of our North America operating unit and $38 million related to the BodyArmor acquisition, which included various transition and transaction costs, employee retention costs and the amortization of noncompete agreements, net of the reimbursement of distributor termination fees recorded in 2021. These charges were partially offset by a net gain of $6 million due to revisions of management’s estimates related to the Company’s strategic realignment initiatives.
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Refer to Note 2 for additional information on the refranchising of our bottling operations and the sale of a portion of our interest in Coke Consolidated. Refer to Note 12 for additional information related to the tax litigation. Refer to Note 17 for additional information on fairlife and the impairment charges. Refer to Note 19 for additional information on the Company’s restructuring initiatives. Refer to Note 20 for the impact these charges had on our operating segments and Corporate.
Other Nonoperating Items
Equity Income (Loss) — Net
The Company recorded net charges of $92 million, $159 million and $34 million in equity income (loss) — net during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts represent the Company’s proportionate share of significant operating and nonoperating items recorded by certain of our equity method investees.
Other Income (Loss) — Net
During 2024, the Company recognized a net gain of $595 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in the Philippines, including the impact of post-closing adjustments, and recognized a net gain of $506 million related to the sale of our ownership interest in an equity method investee in Thailand, including the impact of post-closing adjustments. The Company also recognized a net gain of $338 million related to the sale of a portion of our interest in Coke Consolidated, a net gain of $303 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in certain territories in India, including the impact of post-closing adjustments, and a net gain of $290 million related to realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and trading debt securities as well as realized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities. These gains were partially offset by an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $34 million related to an equity method investee in Latin America.
During 2023, the Company recognized a net gain of $439 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in Vietnam, a net gain of $289 million related to realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and trading debt securities as well as realized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities, and a net gain of $94 million related to the sale of our ownership interests in our equity method investees in Pakistan and Indonesia. Additionally, the Company recorded charges of $67 million due to pension and other postretirement benefit plan settlement losses, an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $39 million related to an equity method investee in Latin America and charges of $32 million related to the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States.
During 2022, the Company recorded a net gain of $153 million related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in Cambodia. The Company also recorded a net loss of $371 million related to realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and trading debt securities as well as realized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities, an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $96 million related to an equity method investee in Russia, and a net loss of $24 million as a result of one of our equity method investees issuing additional shares of its stock.
Refer to Note 2 for additional information on our divestitures. Refer to Note 4 for additional information on equity and debt securities. Refer to Note 14 for additional information on pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity. Refer to Note 17 for additional information on the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States and the impairment charges.
NOTE 19: RESTRUCTURING
North America Operating Unit Restructuring
In November 2022, the Company announced a restructuring program for our North America operating unit designed to better align its operating structure with its customers and bottlers. The evolved operating structure will bring together all bottler-related components (franchise leadership, commercial leadership, digital, governance and technical innovation) and will help streamline how we work. The Company incurred pretax expenses of $27 million and $38 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to this restructuring program. These expenses were recorded in the line item other operating charges in our consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 20 for the impact these charges had on our operating segments and Corporate. This restructuring program was substantially complete as of December 31, 2023, and remaining accrued amounts were paid in 2024.
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Productivity and Reinvestment Program    
In February 2012, the Company announced a productivity and reinvestment program designed to strengthen our brands and reinvest our resources to drive long-term profitable growth. This program was expanded multiple times, with the last expansion occurring in April 2017. While most of the initiatives included in this program were substantially completed by the end of 2024, certain initiatives, which are primarily designed to further simplify and standardize our organization, have been delayed and will be completed during 2025.
The Company has incurred total pretax expenses of $4,426 million related to our productivity and reinvestment program since it commenced. These expenses were recorded in the line items other operating charges and other income (loss) — net in our consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 20 for the impact these charges had on our operating segments and Corporate. Outside services reported in the table below primarily include costs associated with outplacement and consulting activities. Other direct costs reported in the table below include, among other items, internal and external costs associated with the development, communication, administration and implementation of these initiatives; accelerated depreciation on certain fixed assets; contract termination fees; and relocation costs.
The following table summarizes the balance of accrued expenses related to these productivity and reinvestment initiatives and the changes in the accrued amounts (in millions):
Severance Pay
and Benefits
Outside
Services
Other
Direct Costs
Total
2022
Accrued balance at beginning of year $ 12  $   $ 5  $ 17 
Costs incurred (4) 81  8  85 
Payments (2) (81) (11) (94)
Noncash and exchange (2)     (2)
Accrued balance at end of year $ 4  $   $ 2  $ 6 
2023
Accrued balance at beginning of year $ 4  $   $ 2  $ 6 
Costs incurred (1) 131  34  164 
Payments   (124) (42) (166)
Noncash and exchange   (7) 6  (1)
Accrued balance at end of year $ 3  $   $   $ 3 
2024        
Accrued balance at beginning of year $ 3  $   $   $ 3 
Costs incurred   60  73  133 
Payments (3) (60) (72) (135)
Accrued balance at end of year $   $   $ 1  $ 1 
NOTE 20: OPERATING SEGMENTS
Our organizational structure consists of the following operating segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; North America; Asia Pacific; and Bottling Investments. Our operating structure also includes Corporate, which consists of two components: (1) a center focusing on strategic initiatives, policy, governance and scaling global initiatives, and (2) a platform services organization supporting operating units, global marketing category leadership teams and the center by providing efficient and scaled global services and capabilities, including, but not limited to, transactional work, data management, consumer analytics, digital commerce and social/digital hubs.
Segment Products and Services
The business of our Company is primarily nonalcoholic beverages. Our geographic operating segments (Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; North America; and Asia Pacific) 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. Our Europe, Middle East and Africa operating segment also includes the results of the Costa business (excluding the ready-to-drink business), regardless of the location of the retail stores. The results of Costa’s ready-to-drink business and the fees related to Monster are reported within the applicable geographic operating segments. Our Bottling Investments operating segment is composed of our consolidated bottling operations, regardless of the geographic location of the bottler. Our consolidated bottling operations derive the majority
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of their revenues from the manufacture and sale of finished beverages. Generally, finished product operations generate higher net operating revenues but lower gross profit margins than concentrate operations. Refer to Note 3.
The following table sets forth the percentage of total net operating revenues attributable to concentrate operations and finished product operations:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Concentrate operations 59  % 58  % 56  %
Finished product operations 41  42  44 
Total 100  % 100  % 100  %
Chief Operating Decision Maker and Method of Determining Segment Income or Loss
Our Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The CODM evaluates operating segment performance based primarily on net operating revenues and operating income (loss) to make strategic operating and resource allocation decisions for the Company. Segment operating income is calculated on a consistent basis as our consolidated operating income. The type of decisions made at this level include, but are not limited to, annual business plan targets and allocation of capital expenditures, which are aligned with our long-term growth objectives. Our Company manages income taxes and certain treasury-related items, such as interest income and interest expense, on a global basis within Corporate. Information about total assets by segment is not disclosed because such information is not regularly provided to, or used by, our CODM.
Geographic Data
The following table provides information related to our net operating revenues (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
United States $ 18,362  $ 16,550  $ 15,413 
International 28,699  29,204  27,591 
Net operating revenues $ 47,061  $ 45,754  $ 43,004 
The following table provides information related to our property, plant and equipment — net (in millions):
December 31, 2024 2023
United States $ 4,364  $ 3,682 
International 5,939  5,554 
Property, plant and equipment — net1
$ 10,303  $ 9,236 
1Property, plant and equipment — net in India represented 13% and 12% of consolidated property, plant and equipment — net as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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Information about our Company’s operations by operating segment and Corporate is as follows (in millions):
Europe,
Middle East & Africa
Latin
America
North
America
Asia Pacific Bottling
Investments
Corporate Eliminations Consolidated
Year Ended December 31, 2024
               
Net operating revenues:                
Third party $ 10,278  $ 6,471  $ 18,860  $ 5,127 

$ 6,215  $ 110  $   $ 47,061 
Intersegment 680    9  467  8    (1,164)  
Total net operating revenues 10,958  6,471  18,869  5,594  6,223  110  (1,164) 47,061 
Cost of goods sold 3,083  1,099  9,595  1,689  4,251  (229) (1,164) 18,324 
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
3,620  1,454  3,958  1,749  1,476  2,325    14,582 
Other operating charges   126  760      3,277    4,163 
Operating income (loss) $ 4,255  $ 3,792  $ 4,556  $ 2,156  $ 496  $ (5,263) $   $ 9,992 
Interest income 988 
Interest expense 1,656 
Equity income (loss) — net 1,770 
Other income (loss) — net 1,992 
Income before income taxes $ 13,086 
Other segment information:
Capital expenditures $ 222  $ 1  $ 602  $ 18  $ 734  $ 487  $   $ 2,064 
Depreciation and amortization 181  29  325  45  319  176    1,075 
Year Ended December 31, 2023
               
Net operating revenues:                
Third party $ 10,152  $ 5,834  $ 16,965  $ 4,811  $ 7,852  $ 140  $   $ 45,754 
Intersegment 686    8  731  8    (1,433)  
Total net operating revenues 10,838  5,834  16,973  5,542  7,860  140  (1,433) 45,754 
Cost of goods sold 2,970  1,040  8,791  1,644  5,615  (107) (1,433) 18,520 
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
3,545  1,358  3,522  1,806  1,667  2,074    13,972 
Other operating charges     26  35    1,890    1,951 
Operating income (loss) $ 4,323  $ 3,436  $ 4,634  $ 2,057  $ 578  $ (3,717) $   $ 11,311 
Interest income 907 
Interest expense 1,527 
Equity income (loss) — net 1,691 
Other income (loss) — net 570 
Income before income taxes $ 12,952 
Other segment information:
Capital expenditures $ 235  $ 1  $ 412  $ 23  $ 843  $ 338  $   $ 1,852 
Depreciation and amortization 187  48  310  50  389  144    1,128 
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Europe,
Middle East & Africa
Latin
America
North
America
Asia Pacific Bottling
Investments
Corporate Eliminations Consolidated
Year Ended December 31, 2022    
Net operating revenues:    
Third party $ 9,453  $ 4,921  $ 15,855  $ 4,785  $ 7,883  $ 107  $   $ 43,004 
Intersegment 627    7  734  8    (1,376)  
Total net operating revenues 10,080  4,921  15,862  5,519  7,891  107  (1,376) 43,004 
Cost of goods sold 2,778  872  8,697  1,440  5,664  (75) (1,376) 18,000 
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
3,369  1,168  3,216  1,704  1,740  1,683    12,880 
Other operating charges (7)   19  57    1,146    1,215 
Operating income (loss) $ 3,940  $ 2,881  $ 3,930  $ 2,318  $ 487  $ (2,647) $   $ 10,909 
Interest income 449 
Interest expense 882 
Equity income (loss) — net 1,472 
Other income (loss) — net (262)
Income before income taxes $ 11,686 
Other segment information:
Capital expenditures $ 229  $ 4  $ 280  $ 22  $ 697  $ 252  $   $ 1,484 
Depreciation and amortization 203  39  330  58  435  195    1,260 
During 2024, 2023 and 2022, our operating segments and Corporate were impacted by acquisition and divestiture activities. Refer to Note 2.
In 2024, the results of our operating segments and Corporate were impacted by the following items:
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $3,109 million for Corporate due to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition. Refer to Note 17.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $760 million for North America due to the impairment of our BodyArmor trademark. Refer to Note 18.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $133 million for Corporate due to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program. Refer to Note 19.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $126 million for Latin America due to the impairment of a trademark. Refer to Note 17.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $19 million for North America due to the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $15 million for Corporate due to charges related to our acquisition of BodyArmor. Refer to Note 18.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $13 million for Corporate due to a payment under an indemnification agreement entered into as a part of the refranchising of certain of our bottling operations.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $7 million for Corporate due to transaction costs related to the refranchising of our bottling operations in certain territories in India. Refer to Note 2.
In 2023, the results of our operating segments and Corporate were impacted by the following items:
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $1,702 million for Corporate due to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition. Refer to Note 17.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $165 million for Corporate due to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program. Operating income (loss) was increased by $1 million for North America due to the refinement of previously established accruals related to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program. Refer to Note 19.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $35 million for Asia Pacific due to the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations.
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Operating income (loss) was reduced by $27 million for North America due to the restructuring of our North America operating unit. Refer to Note 19.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $18 million for North America due to the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $15 million for Corporate due to charges related to our acquisition of BodyArmor. Refer to Note 18.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $8 million for Corporate related to tax litigation expense. Refer to Note 12.
In 2022, the results of our operating segments and Corporate were impacted by the following items:
Operating income (loss) was increased by $7 million for Europe, Middle East and Africa and was reduced by $1 million for Corporate due to revisions of management’s estimates related to the Company’s strategic realignment initiatives.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $1,000 million for Corporate due to the remeasurement of our contingent consideration liability to fair value in conjunction with the fairlife acquisition.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $85 million for Corporate due to the Company’s productivity and reinvestment program. Refer to Note 19.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $59 million for Corporate and was increased by $21 million for North America related to our acquisition of BodyArmor. Refer to Note 18.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $57 million for Asia Pacific due to the impairment of a trademark.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $38 million for North America due to the restructuring of our North America operating unit. Refer to Note 19.
Operating income (loss) was reduced by $33 million for North America due to the restructuring of our manufacturing operations in the United States.
NOTE 21: NET CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities attributable to the net change in operating assets and liabilities was composed of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
(Increase) decrease in trade accounts receivable $ (295) $ (2) $ (69)
(Increase) decrease in inventories1
(520) (597) (960)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other noncurrent assets2
(5,667) (323) 225 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,134  841  759 
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes (823) (578) (360)
Increase (decrease) in other noncurrent liabilities (63) (187) (200)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities $ (6,234) $ (846) $ (605)
1The increase in inventories in 2022 was primarily due to improved business performance, higher costs and the buildup of inventory to manage potential supply chain disruptions.
2The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other noncurrent assets in 2024 was primarily due to the IRS Tax Litigation Deposit. Refer to Note 12.

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REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States appropriate in the circumstances and, accordingly, include certain amounts based on our best judgments and estimates. Financial information in this report is consistent with that in the financial statements.
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Our internal control system 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 officers and employees of our Company and subsidiaries. In addition, our Company’s Board of Directors adopted a written Code of Business Conduct for Non-Employee Directors which reflects the same principles and values as our Code of Business Conduct for officers and employees but focuses on matters of relevance to non-employee Directors.
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.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (“COSO”) in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024.
The Company’s independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, a registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the Audit Committee of our Company’s Board of Directors. Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The reports of the independent auditors are contained in this report.
Audit Committee’s Responsibility
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 controls along with auditing and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort. The Audit 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 Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee’s Report can be found in the Company’s 2025 Proxy Statement.
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image3a06.jpg
johnssignature214a02.jpg
James Quincey John Murphy
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
February 20, 2025
President and Chief Financial Officer
February 20, 2025
 
Erin May Signature.jpg
Erin L. May
Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
February 20, 2025
96    


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company

    
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareowners’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Accounting for uncertain tax positions
Description of the Matter
As described in Note 12 and Note 15 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company is involved in various income tax matters for which the ultimate outcomes are uncertain. As of December 31, 2024, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $880 million. As described in Note 12, on September 17, 2015 the Company received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the tax years 2007 through 2009 in the amount of $3.3 billion for the period. On November 18, 2020, the U.S. Tax Court issued an opinion predominantly siding with the IRS related to the Company’s transfer pricing between its U.S. parent company and certain of its foreign affiliates for tax years 2007 through 2009. On November 8, 2023, the U.S. Tax Court issued a supplemental opinion, siding with the IRS.
On August 2, 2024, the Tax Court entered a decision reflecting additional federal income tax of $2.7 billion for the 2007 through 2009 tax years. With applicable interest, the total liability for the 2007 through 2009 tax years resulting from the Tax Court’s decision is $6.0 billion. On October 22, 2024, the Company appealed the Tax Court’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Company’s conclusion that it is more likely than not the Company’s tax positions will ultimately be sustained on appeal is unchanged as of December 31, 2024. However, based on the required probability analysis and the accrual of interest through the current reporting period, the Company updated its tax reserve as of December 31, 2024 to $474 million.
Auditing management’s evaluation of uncertain tax positions, including the uncertain tax position associated with the IRS notice and opinion, was especially challenging due to the level of subjectivity and significant judgment associated with the recognition and measurement of the tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained.
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How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the effectiveness of controls over the Company’s accounting process for uncertain tax positions. Our procedures included testing controls addressing the completeness of uncertain tax positions, controls relating to the identification and recognition of the uncertain tax positions, controls over the measurement of the unrecognized tax benefit, and controls over the identification of developments related to existing uncertain tax positions.
Our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the assumptions the Company used to assess its uncertain tax positions and related unrecognized tax benefit amounts by jurisdiction. We also tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the identification and measurement of uncertain tax positions. We evaluated evidence of management’s assessment of uncertain tax positions, including inquiries of tax counsel, inspection of technical memos, and written representations of management. We involved professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in our evaluation of the tax technical merits of the Company’s assessments, including the assessments of whether the tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained, the amount of the potential benefits to be realized, and the application of relevant tax law. We also assessed the Company’s disclosures of uncertain tax positions included in Note 12 and Note 15.
Valuation of trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill
Description of the Matter
Included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill of $13.3 billion and $18.1 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. As described in Note 1, management performs an annual impairment test of its indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill. Each impairment test may be qualitative or quantitative. Management performs their annual impairment tests as of June 29, 2024, and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $760 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to their BodyArmor trademark in North America.
Auditing the valuation of trademarks with indefinite lives and reporting units with goodwill involved complex judgment due to the significant estimation required in determining the fair value of the trademarks with indefinite lives and related reporting units with goodwill, respectively. Specifically, the fair value estimates were sensitive to significant assumptions about future market and economic conditions. Significant assumptions used in the Company’s fair value estimates included sales volume, pricing, royalty rates, long-term growth rates, and discount rates, as applicable.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s interim review of impairment indicators, interim impairment test, and annual impairment tests for trademarks with indefinite lives and reporting units with goodwill. For example, we tested management’s risk assessment process to determine whether to perform a quantitative or qualitative test, management’s control over the evaluation of interim impairment indicators, and management’s review controls over the valuation models and underlying assumptions used to develop such estimates. For impairment tests of reporting units with goodwill, we also tested controls over the determination of the carrying value of the reporting units.
We tested the trademarks with indefinite lives and reporting units with goodwill based on our risk assessments. Our audit procedures included, among others, comparing significant judgmental inputs to observable third party and industry sources, considering other observable market transactions, and evaluating the reasonableness of management’s projected financial information by comparing to third party industry projections, third party economic growth projections, and other internal and external data. We performed sensitivity analyses of certain significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the fair value of the trademarks with indefinite lives and reporting units with goodwill and assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates. In addition, we involved specialists to assist in our evaluation of certain significant assumptions used in the Company’s valuation model. We also assessed the Company’s related disclosures of its valuation of trademarks with indefinite lives and goodwill.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1921.
Atlanta, Georgia
February 20, 2025, except as it relates to the effects of the changes in reportable segments as discussed in Note 1, as to which the date is June 26, 2025.
98    


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareowners and the Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, The Coca-Cola Company and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareowners’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and our report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The 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 included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 20, 2025
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