EXHIBIT 12.1 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT RATIOS)
Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ---------------------------------------------------- Earnings: Income from continuing operations before income taxes and changes in accounting principles $ 5,198 $ 6,055 $ 4,596 $ 4,328 $ 3,728 Fixed charges 320 300 324 318 236 Less: Capitalized interest, net (17) (17) (7) (9) (5) Equity (income) loss, net of dividends 31 (108) (89) (25) (4) ----------------------------------------------------- Adjusted earnings $ 5,532 $ 6,230 $ 4,824 $ 4,612 $ 3,955 ===================================================== Fixed charges: Gross interest incurred $ 294 $ 275 $ 293 $ 281 $ 204 Interest portion of rent expense 26 25 31 37 32 ------------------------------------------------------ Total fixed charges $ 320 $ 300 $ 324 $ 318 $ 236 ====================================================== Ratios of earnings to fixed charges 17.3 20.8 14.9 14.5 16.8 ====================================================== The Company is contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties in the amount of $391 million, of which $7 million related to independent bottling licensees. Fixed charges for these contingent liabilities have not been included in the computation of the above ratios as the amounts are immaterial and, in the opinion of Management, it is not probable that the Company will be required to satisfy the guarantees.