Coca-Cola Company, The: Rating Report

DBRS Limited (DBRS) confirmed the Issuer Rating and Senior Unsecured Debt ratings of The Coca-Cola Company (Coke or the Company) at A (high) and the Company’s Short-Term Issuer Rating at R-1 (low). All trends are Stable. The confirmations are supported by a modest improvement in Coke’s earnings profile and initial progress in reducing financial leverage toward a range more appropriate for the current rating over the past year. The ratings continue to be supported by Coke’s strong brand name, geographic diversification and large size and scale and well-established distribution network. The ratings also consider the intense competitive environment, ongoing changes to consumer preferences, and potential return to more aggressive financial management policies in the medium to longer term.