KO Coca Cola Company

 

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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

May 14, 2024

 

COCA COLA CO

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware		001-02217	58-0628465
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta,	Georgia		30313
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

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

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.25 Par Value	KO	New York Stock Exchange
1.875% Notes Due 2026	KO26	New York Stock Exchange
0.750% Notes Due 2026	KO26C	New York Stock Exchange
1.125% Notes Due 2027	KO27	New York Stock Exchange
0.125% Notes Due 2029	KO29A	New York Stock Exchange
0.125% Notes Due 2029	KO29B	New York Stock Exchange
0.400% Notes Due 2030	KO30B	New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Notes Due 2031	KO31	New York Stock Exchange
0.375% Notes Due 2033	KO33	New York Stock Exchange
0.500% Notes Due 2033	KO33A	New York Stock Exchange
1.625% Notes Due 2035	KO35	New York Stock Exchange
1.100% Notes Due 2036	KO36	New York Stock Exchange
0.950% Notes Due 2036	KO36A	New York Stock Exchange
0.800% Notes Due 2040	KO40B	New York Stock Exchange
1.000% Notes Due 2041	KO41	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

  

 

Item 8.01.

Other Events.

 

Euro-Denominated Notes Offering

 

On May 14, 2024, The Coca-Cola Company (the “Company”) completed its previously announced public offering of €500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.125% Notes due 2032 and €500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.500% Notes due 2044 (collectively, the “Euro Notes”).

 

The offering of the Euro Notes was made pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-268053) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 28, 2022.

 

The Euro Notes were issued under an Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988 (as supplemented, the “Indenture”), between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as successor to Bankers Trust Company, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 24, 1992, and the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007, between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as successor to Bankers Trust Company, as trustee.

 

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Euro Notes for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions of or investments in businesses or assets and redemption and repayment of short-term or long-term borrowings, as well as for making any potential payments in connection with the Company’s ongoing tax litigation with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

The Indenture and the forms of global note for the offering are filed as exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

  

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)

Exhibits

 

In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this report, please remember they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about the Company or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

	·	should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
	·	may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
	·	may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to you or other investors; and
	·	were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about the Company may be found elsewhere in this report and the Company’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

Exhibit No.	Description
4.1	Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988, between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as successor to Bankers Trust Company, as trustee — incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-50743) filed on October 25, 1993.
4.2	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 24, 1992, to Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988, between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as successor to Bankers Trust Company, as trustee — incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-50743) filed on October 25, 1993.
4.3	Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007, to Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988, as amended, between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as successor to Bankers Trust Company, as trustee — incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2009.
4.4	Form of Note for 3.125% Notes due 2032.
4.5	Form of Note for 3.500% Notes due 2044.
5.1	Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding the validity of the Euro Notes.
23.1	Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP — included as part of Exhibit 5.1 hereto.
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the iXBRL document).

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 14, 2024
	THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
	(REGISTRANT)
	By:	/s/ MARK RANDAZZA
		Name:	Mark Randazza
		Title:	Senior Vice President, Assistant Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.4

 

THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 2.05 OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY NAMED BELOW OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME OR EUROCLEAR BANK S.A./N.V. (EACH A “DEPOSITARY”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED, HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

3.125% Notes due 2032

No. [__]

€[__________]

 

CUSIP No. 191216 DU1

ISIN No. XS2818290509

Common Code: 281829050

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Company,” which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED (as nominee of the Depositary), or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [_________] (€[__________]) on May 14, 2032 and to pay interest thereon from May 14, 2024, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, annually on May 14 in each year, commencing May 14, 2025 at the rate of 3.125% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the period for which interest is being calculated and the actual number of days from and including the last date on which interest was paid on the Securities (or from May 14, 2024, if no interest has been paid on the Securities) to but excluding the next scheduled Interest Payment Date. This payment convention is referred to as ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA) as defined in the rulebook of the International Capital Market Association. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the Business Day immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest which is payable but is not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this Series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this Series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

As set forth herein, the Company will pay additional interest on this Security in certain circumstances.

If either a date for payment of principal or interest on this Security or the Maturity of this Security falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the related payment of principal or interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day as if made on the date the payment was due. No interest will accrue on any amounts payable for the period from and after the date for payment of principal of or interest on this Security or the Maturity of this Security provided such payment is made on such next succeeding Business Day. For this purpose, “Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday and that is not a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close in the City of New York or London and on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer system, or any successor thereto, operates.

Payment of the principal of and interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in a location agreed upon between the Company and the Paying Agent; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest, other than interest at Maturity, or upon redemption, may be made by check drawn upon the Paying Agent and mailed on or prior to an Interest Payment Date to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Securities Register; provided, further, that (1) the Depositary, as Holder of the Securities, or (2) a Holder of more than €5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of a Series of Securities in definitive form is entitled to require the Paying Agent to make payments of interest, other than interest due at Maturity or upon redemption, by wire transfer of immediately available funds into an account maintained by the Holder in the United States, by sending appropriate wire transfer instructions as long as the Paying Agent receives the instructions not less than ten days prior to the applicable Interest Payment Date. The principal and interest payable on any of the Securities at Maturity, or upon redemption, will be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds against presentation of a Security at the office of the Transfer Agent and Registrar.

All payments on this Security will be payable in Euro. If, however, the Euro is unavailable to the Company due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Company’s control or if the Euro is no longer being used by the then Member States of the European Monetary Union (the “Member States”) that have adopted the Euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of this Security will be made in U.S. Dollars until the Euro is again available to the Company or so used. In such circumstance, the amount otherwise payable by the Company on any date in Euro will be converted into U.S. Dollars at a rate determined by the Company in good faith. If applicable laws or regulations of the Member States (including official pronouncements applying those laws or regulations) mandated, in the Company’s good faith determination, the use of a specific exchange rate for these purposes, the Company will apply the exchange rate so mandated. Any payment in respect of this Security so made in U.S. Dollars will not constitute an Event of Default under this Security or the Indenture. Neither the Trustee nor the Paying Agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation or conversion in connection with the foregoing.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an authenticating agent, by the manual signature of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated:

	THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
	By:
		Name: Stacy Apter
		Title:   Senior Vice President and Treasurer,             Head of Corporate Finance

 

Attest:

Name: Jennifer Manning
Title: Secretary

(Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication)

This is one of the Securities of the Series provided for in the within-mentioned Indenture.

	Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee
	By:
		Authorized Signatory

[Reverse]

This Note (as defined herein) is one of a duly authorized issue of debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more Series under an Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988, as amended and supplemented by that First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 24, 1992, and by that Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007 (as so amended and supplemented, herein called the “Indenture”), between the Company and Bankers Trust Company (now known as Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas), as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. The Securities may be issued in one or more Series, which different Series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may mature at different times, may bear interest (if any) at different rates, may be denominated and bear interest, if any, in Dollars or in a Foreign Currency, may be subject to different redemption provisions (if any), may be subject to different sinking, purchase or analogous funds (if any), may be subject to different covenants and Events of Default and may otherwise vary as in the Indenture provided.

No sinking fund is provided for the Notes.

In the event of a deposit or withdrawal of an interest in this Note, including an exchange, redemption or transfer of this Note in part only, the Trustee or its designee, as custodian of the Depositary, shall make an adjustment on its records to reflect such deposit or withdrawal in accordance with the rules and procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream applicable to, and as in effect at the time of, such transaction.

If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal of, and accrued interest on, the Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and overdue interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company’s obligations in respect of the payment of such principal of and interest, if any, on the Notes shall terminate. The Holders shall have such other rights and remedies after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default as set forth in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Notes of each Series under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding of each Series to be affected by such amendment or modification. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of each Series at the time outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes of such Series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note. The Indenture contains provisions setting forth certain conditions to the institution of proceedings by Holders of Notes with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy under the Indenture. Section 12.01(a) of the Indenture also contains provisions applicable to the Notes relating to the Company’s ability to discharge its obligations with respect to the Notes and under the Indenture with respect to the Notes, upon the deposit of money, German government securities or other government obligations, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the principal of and interest on the Notes to the Maturity of the Note, in certain specified circumstances. The defeasance provisions described in Section 12.01(b) of the Indenture will not be applicable to the Notes. The lien and sale and lease back provisions described in Sections 5.03 and 5.04 of the Indenture will not be applicable to the Notes.

Subject to the next preceding sentence hereof, no reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

This Note is exchangeable for definitive Notes only if (1) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for this Note and the Company does not appoint a successor Depositary within 90 days after receiving that notice or becoming aware that the Depositary is no longer registered or (2) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that this Note shall be so exchangeable. In such case, this Note shall be exchangeable into definitive Notes issuable only in denominations of €100,000 and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof. No definitive Notes shall be issuable in denominations of less than €100,000. If this Note is exchanged pursuant to the preceding sentences, it shall be exchangeable for definitive Notes at the office of the Transfer Agent and Registrar, currently located at Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 1 Columbus Circle, 17^th Floor, Mail Stop NYC01-1710, New York, New York 10019, registered in the name or names that the Depositary gives to the Trustee, bearing interest at the same rate, having the same date of issuance, redemption provisions, Stated Maturity and other terms in registered form and of differing denominations aggregating a like amount.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Securities Register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Transfer Agent and Registrar, currently located at Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 1 Columbus Circle, 17^th Floor, Mail Stop NYC01-1710, New York, New York 10019, or at any other office or agency of the Company where the principal of and interest on this Note are payable, duly endorsed, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent and Registrar, duly executed, by the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in minimum denominations of €100,000 and any integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of different authorized denominations, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to February 14, 2032 (three months prior to the maturity date (the “Par Call Date”)) the Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a Redemption Price (as determined by the Company, expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

·

100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed; and

·

(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed discounted to the Redemption Date (assuming the notes matured on the Par Call Date) on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date;

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Neither the Trustee nor the Paying Agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation of the Redemption Price.

On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

The term “Comparable Government Bond Rate” means the yield to maturity, expressed as a percentage (rounded to three decimal places, with 0.0005 being rounded upwards), on the third Business Day prior to the Redemption Date, of the Comparable Government Bond (as defined below) on the basis of the middle market price of the Comparable Government Bond prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such Business Day as determined by an independent investment bank selected by the Company.

The term “Comparable Government Bond” means, in relation to any Comparable Government Bond Rate calculation, at the discretion of an independent investment bank selected by the Company, a German federal government bond whose maturity is closest to the maturity of the Notes to be redeemed (assuming that the Notes to be redeemed matured on the Par Call Date), or if such independent investment bank in its discretion determines that such similar bond is not in issue, such other German federal government bond as such independent investment bank may, with the advice of three brokers of, and/or market makers in, German federal government bonds selected by the Company, determine to be appropriate for determining the Comparable Government Bond Rate.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the applicable procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear to the Holders of the Notes not less than 10 days and not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date of the Notes being redeemed. Unless the Company defaults on payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, the Notes or any portion of the Notes called for redemption will stop accruing interest. A partial redemption of Notes may be effected pursuant to applicable procedures of the depositary or the Paying Agent, and may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for such Notes or any integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof) of the principal amount of such Notes of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for such Notes.

The Company will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the Notes such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net payment by the Company of the principal of and interest on the Notes to a Holder who is not a United States Person (as defined below), after withholding or deduction for any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by the United States or a taxing authority in the United States, will not be less than the amount provided in the Notes to be then due and payable; provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts shall not apply:

(1)

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed by reason of the Holder (or the beneficial owner for whose benefit such Holder holds such Note), or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of the Holder if the Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation, or a Person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary holder, being considered as: (a) being or having been engaged in a trade or business in the United States or having or having had a permanent establishment in the United States; (b) having a current or former connection with the United States (other than a connection arising solely as a result of the ownership of the Notes or the receipt of any payment or the enforcement of any rights thereunder), including being or having been a citizen or resident of the United States; (c) being or having been a personal holding company, a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation for United States income tax purposes or a corporation that has accumulated earnings to avoid United States federal income tax; (d) being a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) related within the meaning of Code Section 864(d)(4) to the Company; (e) being or having been a “10-percent shareholder” of the Company as defined in section 871(h)(3) of the Code, or any successor provision; (f) being subject to income tax withholding or backup withholding as of the date of the purchase by the Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes; or (g) being a bank receiving payments on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business;

(2)

to any Holder that is not the sole beneficial owner of the Notes, or a portion of the Notes, or that is a fiduciary, partnership or limited liability company, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner with respect to the Holder, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner or member of the partnership or limited liability company would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficiary, settlor, beneficial owner or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

 

(3)

to any tax, duty, levy, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for the presentation of the note or evidence of beneficial ownership thereof (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment becomes due and payable or the date on which payment is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;

 

(4)

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the Holder or any other Person to comply with certification, identification or information reporting requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the United States of the Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes, if compliance is required by statute, by regulation of the United States or any taxing authority therein or by an applicable income tax treaty to which the United States is a party as a precondition to exemption from such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

(5)	to any inheritance, gift, estate, personal property, sales, transfer or similar tax, duty levy, assessment, or similar governmental charge;

(6)	to any tax, duty, levy, assessment, or other governmental charge that is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments in respect of the Notes;

 

(7)

to any tax, duty, levy, assessment or governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for an election by the Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes, the effect of which is to make one or more payments in respect of the Notes subject to United States federal income tax, state or local tax, or any other tax, duty, levy, assessment or other governmental charge;

(8)	to any tax, duty, levy, assessment or governmental charge imposed under any of Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any applicable United States Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or any judicial or administrative interpretation of any of the foregoing; or

(9)	to any combination of items (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) above.

This Note is subject in all cases to any tax, fiscal or other law or regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation applicable to this Note. Except as specifically provided above, no payment will be required for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or a political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

If the Company is required to pay any additional amounts as described above with respect to the Notes, the Company will notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate that specifies the additional amounts payable and when the additional amounts are payable. If the Trustee and the Paying Agent do not receive such an Officer’s Certificate from the Company, the Trustee and the Paying Agent may rely on the absence of such an Officer’s Certificate in assuming that no such additional amounts are payable.

The term “United States” means the United States of America, the states of the United States, and the District of Columbia, and the term “United States Person” means any individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for United States federal income tax purposes, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated under the laws) of the United States (or any taxing authority in the United States), or any change in, or amendment to, an official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change or amendment is announced or becomes effective on or after May 14, 2024, the Company becomes or, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel selected by the Company, will become obligated to pay additional amounts as described above with respect to the Notes, then the Company may at any time at the Company’s option redeem, in whole, but not in part, the Notes on not less than 15 nor more than 30 days’ prior notice to the Holders, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to the date fixed for redemption.

The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note is overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. The Notes are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM	-	as tenants in common
TEN ENT	-	as tenants by entireties (Cust)
JT TEN	-	As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT	-	_____________ Custodian __________________                                                                  (Minor) Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act                                                                                                        (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

For value received __________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto _______________(Please insert social security or other identifying number of assignee) the within Note, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints __________________ as attorney to transfer the said Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:
		Signature(s)
		Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution with membership in an approved signature guarantee program pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Exhibit 4.5

 

THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 2.05 OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY NAMED BELOW OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME OR EUROCLEAR BANK S.A./N.V. (EACH A “DEPOSITARY”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED, HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

3.500% Notes due 2044

 

No. [__]

€[__________]

CUSIP No. 191216 DV9

ISIN No. XS2815948695

Common Code: 281594869

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Company,” which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to BT GLOBENET NOMINEES LIMITED (as nominee of the Depositary), or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [_________] (€[__________]) on May 14, 2044 and to pay interest thereon from May 14, 2024, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, annually on May 14 in each year, commencing May 14, 2025 at the rate of 3.500% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the period for which interest is being calculated and the actual number of days from and including the last date on which interest was paid on the Securities (or from May 14, 2024, if no interest has been paid on the Securities) to but excluding the next scheduled Interest Payment Date. This payment convention is referred to as ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA) as defined in the rulebook of the International Capital Market Association. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the Business Day immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest which is payable but is not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this Series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this Series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

As set forth herein, the Company will pay additional interest on this Security in certain circumstances.

If either a date for payment of principal or interest on this Security or the Maturity of this Security falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the related payment of principal or interest will be made on the next succeeding Business Day as if made on the date the payment was due. No interest will accrue on any amounts payable for the period from and after the date for payment of principal of or interest on this Security or the Maturity of this Security provided such payment is made on such next succeeding Business Day. For this purpose, “Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday and that is not a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close in the City of New York or London and on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer system, or any successor thereto, operates.

Payment of the principal of and interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in a location agreed upon between the Company and the Paying Agent; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest, other than interest at Maturity, or upon redemption, may be made by check drawn upon the Paying Agent and mailed on or prior to an Interest Payment Date to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Securities Register; provided, further, that (1) the Depositary, as Holder of the Securities, or (2) a Holder of more than €5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of a Series of Securities in definitive form is entitled to require the Paying Agent to make payments of interest, other than interest due at Maturity or upon redemption, by wire transfer of immediately available funds into an account maintained by the Holder in the United States, by sending appropriate wire transfer instructions as long as the Paying Agent receives the instructions not less than ten days prior to the applicable Interest Payment Date. The principal and interest payable on any of the Securities at Maturity, or upon redemption, will be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds against presentation of a Security at the office of the Transfer Agent and Registrar.

All payments on this Security will be payable in Euro. If, however, the Euro is unavailable to the Company due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Company’s control or if the Euro is no longer being used by the then Member States of the European Monetary Union (the “Member States”) that have adopted the Euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of this Security will be made in U.S. Dollars until the Euro is again available to the Company or so used. In such circumstance, the amount otherwise payable by the Company on any date in Euro will be converted into U.S. Dollars at a rate determined by the Company in good faith. If applicable laws or regulations of the Member States (including official pronouncements applying those laws or regulations) mandated, in the Company’s good faith determination, the use of a specific exchange rate for these purposes, the Company will apply the exchange rate so mandated. Any payment in respect of this Security so made in U.S. Dollars will not constitute an Event of Default under this Security or the Indenture. Neither the Trustee nor the Paying Agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation or conversion in connection with the foregoing.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an authenticating agent, by the manual signature of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated:

	THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
	By:
		Name: Stacy Apter
		Title:   Senior Vice President and Treasurer,             Head of Corporate Finance

 

Attest:

Name: Jennifer Manning
Title: Secretary

(Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication)

This is one of the Securities of the Series provided for in the within-mentioned Indenture.

	Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee
	By:
		Authorized Signatory

[Reverse]

This Note (as defined herein) is one of a duly authorized issue of debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more Series under an Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988, as amended and supplemented by that First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 24, 1992, and by that Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007 (as so amended and supplemented, herein called the “Indenture”), between the Company and Bankers Trust Company (now known as Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas), as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. The Securities may be issued in one or more Series, which different Series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may mature at different times, may bear interest (if any) at different rates, may be denominated and bear interest, if any, in Dollars or in a Foreign Currency, may be subject to different redemption provisions (if any), may be subject to different sinking, purchase or analogous funds (if any), may be subject to different covenants and Events of Default and may otherwise vary as in the Indenture provided.

No sinking fund is provided for the Notes.

In the event of a deposit or withdrawal of an interest in this Note, including an exchange, redemption or transfer of this Note in part only, the Trustee or its designee, as custodian of the Depositary, shall make an adjustment on its records to reflect such deposit or withdrawal in accordance with the rules and procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream applicable to, and as in effect at the time of, such transaction.

If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal of, and accrued interest on, the Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and overdue interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company’s obligations in respect of the payment of such principal of and interest, if any, on the Notes shall terminate. The Holders shall have such other rights and remedies after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default as set forth in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Notes of each Series under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding of each Series to be affected by such amendment or modification. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of each Series at the time outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes of such Series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note. The Indenture contains provisions setting forth certain conditions to the institution of proceedings by Holders of Notes with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy under the Indenture. Section 12.01(a) of the Indenture also contains provisions applicable to the Notes relating to the Company’s ability to discharge its obligations with respect to the Notes and under the Indenture with respect to the Notes, upon the deposit of money, German government securities or other government obligations, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the principal of and interest on the Notes to the Maturity of the Note, in certain specified circumstances. The defeasance provisions described in Section 12.01(b) of the Indenture will not be applicable to the Notes. The lien and sale and lease back provisions described in Sections 5.03 and 5.04 of the Indenture will not be applicable to the Notes.

Subject to the next preceding sentence hereof, no reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

This Note is exchangeable for definitive Notes only if (1) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for this Note and the Company does not appoint a successor Depositary within 90 days after receiving that notice or becoming aware that the Depositary is no longer registered or (2) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that this Note shall be so exchangeable. In such case, this Note shall be exchangeable into definitive Notes issuable only in denominations of €100,000 and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof. No definitive Notes shall be issuable in denominations of less than €100,000. If this Note is exchanged pursuant to the preceding sentences, it shall be exchangeable for definitive Notes at the office of the Transfer Agent and Registrar, currently located at Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 1 Columbus Circle, 17^th Floor, Mail Stop NYC01-1710, New York, New York 10019, registered in the name or names that the Depositary gives to the Trustee, bearing interest at the same rate, having the same date of issuance, redemption provisions, Stated Maturity and other terms in registered form and of differing denominations aggregating a like amount.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Securities Register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Transfer Agent and Registrar, currently located at Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 1 Columbus Circle, 17^th Floor, Mail Stop NYC01-1710, New York, New York 10019, or at any other office or agency of the Company where the principal of and interest on this Note are payable, duly endorsed, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent and Registrar, duly executed, by the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in minimum denominations of €100,000 and any integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of different authorized denominations, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to November 14, 2043 (six months prior to the maturity date (the “Par Call Date”)) the Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a Redemption Price (as determined by the Company, expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

·

100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed; and

·

(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed discounted to the Redemption Date (assuming the notes matured on the Par Call Date) on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date;

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Neither the Trustee nor the Paying Agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation of the Redemption Price.

On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

The term “Comparable Government Bond Rate” means the yield to maturity, expressed as a percentage (rounded to three decimal places, with 0.0005 being rounded upwards), on the third Business Day prior to the Redemption Date, of the Comparable Government Bond (as defined below) on the basis of the middle market price of the Comparable Government Bond prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such Business Day as determined by an independent investment bank selected by the Company.

The term “Comparable Government Bond” means, in relation to any Comparable Government Bond Rate calculation, at the discretion of an independent investment bank selected by the Company, a German federal government bond whose maturity is closest to the maturity of the Notes to be redeemed (assuming that the Notes to be redeemed matured on the Par Call Date), or if such independent investment bank in its discretion determines that such similar bond is not in issue, such other German federal government bond as such independent investment bank may, with the advice of three brokers of, and/or market makers in, German federal government bonds selected by the Company, determine to be appropriate for determining the Comparable Government Bond Rate.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the applicable procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear to the Holders of the Notes not less than 10 days and not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date of the Notes being redeemed. Unless the Company defaults on payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, the Notes or any portion of the Notes called for redemption will stop accruing interest. A partial redemption of Notes may be effected pursuant to applicable procedures of the depositary or the Paying Agent, and may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for such Notes or any integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof) of the principal amount of such Notes of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for such Notes.

The Company will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the Notes such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net payment by the Company of the principal of and interest on the Notes to a Holder who is not a United States Person (as defined below), after withholding or deduction for any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by the United States or a taxing authority in the United States, will not be less than the amount provided in the Notes to be then due and payable; provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts shall not apply:

(1)

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed by reason of the Holder (or the beneficial owner for whose benefit such Holder holds such Note), or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of the Holder if the Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation, or a Person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary holder, being considered as: (a) being or having been engaged in a trade or business in the United States or having or having had a permanent establishment in the United States; (b) having a current or former connection with the United States (other than a connection arising solely as a result of the ownership of the Notes or the receipt of any payment or the enforcement of any rights thereunder), including being or having been a citizen or resident of the United States; (c) being or having been a personal holding company, a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation for United States income tax purposes or a corporation that has accumulated earnings to avoid United States federal income tax; (d) being a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) related within the meaning of Code Section 864(d)(4) to the Company; (e) being or having been a “10-percent shareholder” of the Company as defined in section 871(h)(3) of the Code, or any successor provision; (f) being subject to income tax withholding or backup withholding as of the date of the purchase by the Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes; or (g) being a bank receiving payments on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business;

(2)

to any Holder that is not the sole beneficial owner of the Notes, or a portion of the Notes, or that is a fiduciary, partnership or limited liability company, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner with respect to the Holder, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner or member of the partnership or limited liability company would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficiary, settlor, beneficial owner or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

 

(3)

to any tax, duty, levy, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for the presentation of the note or evidence of beneficial ownership thereof (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment becomes due and payable or the date on which payment is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;

 

(4)

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the Holder or any other Person to comply with certification, identification or information reporting requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the United States of the Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes, if compliance is required by statute, by regulation of the United States or any taxing authority therein or by an applicable income tax treaty to which the United States is a party as a precondition to exemption from such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

(5)	to any inheritance, gift, estate, personal property, sales, transfer or similar tax, duty levy, assessment, or similar governmental charge;

(6)	to any tax, duty, levy, assessment, or other governmental charge that is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments in respect of the Notes;

 

(7)

to any tax, duty, levy, assessment or governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for an election by the Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes, the effect of which is to make one or more payments in respect of the Notes subject to United States federal income tax, state or local tax, or any other tax, duty, levy, assessment or other governmental charge;

(8)	to any tax, duty, levy, assessment or governmental charge imposed under any of Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any applicable United States Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or any judicial or administrative interpretation of any of the foregoing; or

(9)	to any combination of items (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) above.

This Note is subject in all cases to any tax, fiscal or other law or regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation applicable to this Note. Except as specifically provided above, no payment will be required for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or a political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

If the Company is required to pay any additional amounts as described above with respect to the Notes, the Company will notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate that specifies the additional amounts payable and when the additional amounts are payable. If the Trustee and the Paying Agent do not receive such an Officer’s Certificate from the Company, the Trustee and the Paying Agent may rely on the absence of such an Officer’s Certificate in assuming that no such additional amounts are payable.

The term “United States” means the United States of America, the states of the United States, and the District of Columbia, and the term “United States Person” means any individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for United States federal income tax purposes, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated under the laws) of the United States (or any taxing authority in the United States), or any change in, or amendment to, an official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change or amendment is announced or becomes effective on or after May 14, 2024, the Company becomes or, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel selected by the Company, will become obligated to pay additional amounts as described above with respect to the Notes, then the Company may at any time at the Company’s option redeem, in whole, but not in part, the Notes on not less than 15 nor more than 30 days’ prior notice to the Holders, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to the date fixed for redemption.

The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note is overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. The Notes are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM	-	as tenants in common
TEN ENT	-	as tenants by entireties (Cust)
JT TEN	-	As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT	-	_____________ Custodian __________________                                                               (Minor) Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act _____________                                                                         (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

For value received ______________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto _____________ (Please insert social security or other identifying number of assignee) the within Note, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints ____________________ as attorney to transfer the said Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:
		Signature(s)
		Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution with membership in an approved signature guarantee program pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Exhibit 5.1

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom llp

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

 

DIRECT DIAL 212-735-2573 DIRECT FAX 917-777-2573 EMAIL ADDRESS Dwight.Yoo@SKADDEN.COM

TEL: (212) 735-3000 FAX: (212) 735-2000 www.skadden.com

FIRM/AFFILIATE OFFICES ----------- BOSTON CHICAGO HOUSTON LOS ANGELES PALO ALTO WASHINGTON, D.C. WILMINGTON ----------- BEIJING BRUSSELS FRANKFURT HONG KONG LONDON MUNICH PARIS SÃO PAULO SEOUL SHANGHAI SINGAPORE TOKYO TORONTO

  

May 14, 2024

 

The Coca-Cola Company
One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

RE:         The Coca-Cola Company – Senior Notes Offering

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special United States counsel to The Coca-Cola Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the public offering of €500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.125% Notes due 2032 and €500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.500% Notes due 2044 (collectively, the “Notes”) to be issued under the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1988 (the “Base Indenture”), as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 24, 1992 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), and the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2007 (the “Second Supplemental Indenture” and, as so amended, the “Indenture”), between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (as successor to Bankers Trust Company), as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”).

The Coca-Cola Company

May 14, 2024

Page 2

 

In rendering the opinion stated herein, we have examined and relied upon the following:

(a)            the registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-268053) of the Company relating to debt securities and other securities of the Company filed on October 28, 2022 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act allowing for delayed offerings pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act (the “Rules and Regulations”), including information deemed to be a part of the registration statement pursuant to Rule 430B of the Rules and Regulations (such registration statement being hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement”);

(b)            the prospectus, dated October 28, 2022 (the “Base Prospectus”), which forms a part of and is included in the Registration Statement;

(c)            the preliminary prospectus supplement, dated May 7, 2024 (together with the Base Prospectus, the “Preliminary Prospectus”), relating to the offering of the Notes, in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;

(d)            the prospectus supplement, dated May 7, 2024 (together with the Base Prospectus, the “Prospectus”), relating to the offering of the Notes, in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;

(e)            an executed copy of the Underwriting Agreement, dated May 7, 2024 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), among the Company and the underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), relating to the sale by the Company to the Underwriters of the Notes;

(f)             an executed copy of the Indenture;

(g)            the global certificates evidencing the Notes executed by the Company and registered in the name of BT Globenet Nominees Limited (the “Note Certificates”), delivered by the Company to the Trustee for authentication and delivery;

(h)            an executed copy of a certificate of Jennifer Manning, Secretary of the Company, dated the date hereof (the “Secretary’s Certificate”);

(i)             an executed copy of the Action of Treasurer of the Company, including the form of the Note Certificates, adopted on May 7, 2024, as certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate;

(j)             a copy of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of May 7, 2024, and certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate;

(k)            a copy of the Company’s By-Laws, as amended and restated and in effect as of the date hereof, certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate;

(l)             copies of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as in effect on each of April 21, 1988, April 26, 1988, February 24, 1992, November 1, 2007, May 1, 2024 and May 2, 2024, certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate;

The Coca-Cola Company

May 14, 2024

Page 3

 

(m)           copies of the Company’s By-Laws, as in effect on each of April 21, 1988, April 26, 1988, February 24, 1992, November 1, 2007, May 1, 2024 and May 2, 2024, certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate;

(n)            copies of certain resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted on April 21, 1988, October 16, 1991, July 18, 2007 and May 2, 2024, each certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate; and

(o)            copies of certain resolutions of the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted on October 15, 1991, July 17, 2007 and May 1, 2024, each certified pursuant to the Secretary’s Certificate.

We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion stated below.

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, including electronic signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified or photocopied copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts relevant to the opinion stated herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials, including those in the Secretary’s Certificate and the factual representations and warranties contained in the Transaction Documents (as defined below).

We do not express any opinion with respect to the laws of any jurisdiction other than (i) the laws of the State of New York and (ii) the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) (all of the foregoing being referred to as “Opined on Law”).

As used herein, “Transaction Documents” means the Underwriting Agreement, the Indenture and the Note Certificates.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications and assumptions stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Note Certificates have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company and duly executed by the Company under the DGCL and, when duly authenticated by the Trustee and issued and delivered by the Company against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and the Indenture, the Note Certificates will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms under the laws of the State of New York.

The Coca-Cola Company

May 14, 2024

Page 4

 

The opinion stated herein is subject to the following qualifications:

(a)            we do not express any opinion with respect to the effect on the opinion stated herein of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer, preference and other similar laws or governmental orders affecting creditors’ rights generally, and the opinion stated herein is limited by such laws and orders and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law);

(b)           we do not express any opinion with respect to any law, rule or regulation that is applicable to any party to any of the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby solely because such law, rule or regulation is part of a regulatory regime applicable to any such party or any of its affiliates as a result of the specific assets or business operations of such party or such affiliates;

(c)            except to the extent expressly stated in the opinion contained herein, we have assumed that each of the Transaction Documents constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each party to such Transaction Document, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms;

(d)            we do not express any opinion with respect to the enforceability of any provision contained in any Transaction Document relating to any indemnification, contribution, non-reliance, exculpation, release, limitation or exclusion of remedies, waiver or other provisions having similar effect that may be contrary to public policy or violative of federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations, or to the extent any such provision purports to, or has the effect of, waiving or altering any statute of limitations;

(e)            we call to your attention that the opinion stated herein is subject to possible judicial action giving effect to governmental actions or laws of jurisdictions other than those with respect to which we express our opinion;

(f)            we have assumed, with your consent, that the choice of euro as the currency in which the Note Certificates are denominated does not contravene any exchange control or other laws of the jurisdiction of any such currency, and further we call to your attention that a court may not award a judgment in any currency other than U.S. dollars;

(g)            to the extent that any opinion relates to the enforceability of the choice of New York law and choice of New York forum provisions contained in any Transaction Document, the opinion stated herein is subject to the qualification that such enforceability may be subject to, in each case, (i) the exceptions and limitations in New York General Obligations Law sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 and (ii) principles of comity and constitutionality;

(h)            we have assumed that subsequent to the effectiveness of the Base Indenture, the Base Indenture has not been amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified other than by the First Supplemental Indenture and the Second Supplemental Indenture in any way that affects or relates to the Notes; and

The Coca-Cola Company

May 14, 2024

Page 5

 

(i)             we do not express any opinion whether the execution or delivery of any Transaction Document by the Company or the performance by the Company of its obligations under any Transaction Document will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any covenant, restriction or provision with respect to financial ratios or tests or any aspect of the financial condition or results of operations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

In addition, in rendering the foregoing opinion we have assumed that, at all applicable times:

(a)            neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Notes: (i) constitutes or will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any lease, indenture, agreement or other instrument to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (i) with respect to those agreements or instruments expressed to be governed by the laws of the State of New York which are listed in Part II of the Registration Statement or the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023), (ii) contravenes or will contravene any order or decree of any governmental authority to which the Company or its property is subject, or (iii) violates or will violate any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (iii) with respect to the Opined on Law); and

(b)           neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Notes, requires or will require the consent, approval, licensing or authorization of, or any filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority under any law, rule or regulation of any jurisdiction.

We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the headings “Legal Opinions” in the Preliminary Prospectus and “Legal Matters” in the Base Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations. We also hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K being filed on the date hereof and incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.

	Very truly yours,
	/s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
DSY

 

v3.24.1.1.u2

Cover	May 14, 2024
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	May 14, 2024
Entity File Number	001-02217
Entity Registrant Name	COCA COLA CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000021344
Entity Tax Identification Number	58-0628465
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Coca-Cola Plaza
Entity Address, City or Town	Atlanta
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30313
City Area Code	(404)
Local Phone Number	676-2121
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Common Stock [Member]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.25 Par Value
Trading Symbol	KO
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.875% Notes Due 2026
Title of 12(b) Security	1.875% Notes Due 2026
Trading Symbol	KO26
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.750% Notes Due 2026
Title of 12(b) Security	0.750% Notes Due 2026
Trading Symbol	KO26C
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.125% Notes Due 2027
Title of 12(b) Security	1.125% Notes Due 2027
Trading Symbol	KO27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.125% Notes Due 2029
Title of 12(b) Security	0.125% Notes Due 2029
Trading Symbol	KO29A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.125% Notes Due 2029
Title of 12(b) Security	0.125% Notes Due 2029
Trading Symbol	KO29B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.400% Notes Due 2030
Title of 12(b) Security	0.400% Notes Due 2030
Trading Symbol	KO30B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.250% Notes Due 2031
Title of 12(b) Security	1.250% Notes Due 2031
Trading Symbol	KO31
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.375% Notes Due 2033
Title of 12(b) Security	0.375% Notes Due 2033
Trading Symbol	KO33
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.500% Notes Due 2033
Title of 12(b) Security	0.500% Notes Due 2033
Trading Symbol	KO33A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.625% Notes Due 2035
Title of 12(b) Security	1.625% Notes Due 2035
Trading Symbol	KO35
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.100% Notes Due 2036
Title of 12(b) Security	1.100% Notes Due 2036
Trading Symbol	KO36
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.950% Notes Due 2036
Title of 12(b) Security	0.950% Notes Due 2036
Trading Symbol	KO36A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.800% Notes Due 2040
Title of 12(b) Security	0.800% Notes Due 2040
Trading Symbol	KO40B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.000% Notes Due 2041
Title of 12(b) Security	1.000% Notes Due 2041
Trading Symbol	KO41
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

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