Exhibit 12 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (In millions except ratios)
Nine months Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- EARNINGS: Income before income taxes and changes in accounting principles $ 4,333 $ 6,055 $ 4,596 $ 4,328 $ 3,728 $ 3,185 Fixed charges 240 300 324 318 236 213 Adjustments: Capitalized interest, net (11) (17) (7) (9) (5) (16) Equity (income) loss, net of dividends (52) (108) (89) (25) (4) (35) --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Adjusted earnings $ 4,510 $ 6,230 $ 4,824 $ 4,612 $ 3,955 $ 3,347 ========= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== FIXED CHARGES: Gross interest incurred $ 220 $ 275 $ 293 $ 281 $ 204 $ 184 Interest portion of rent expense 20 25 31 37 32 29 --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- Total fixed charges $ 240 $ 300 $ 324 $ 318 $ 236 $ 213 ========= ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= Ratios of earnings to fixed charges 18.8 20.8 14.9 14.5 16.8 15.7 ========= ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= At September 30, 1998, our Company is contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties in the amount of $389 million. Fixed charges for these contingent liabilities have not been included in the computations of the above ratios as, in the opinion of Management, it is not probable that we will be required to satisfy the guarantees.