11-K 1 e18248_ko-11kcri.htm
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

      

FORM 11-K

      

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

OR

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

 

Commission File No. 001-02217

 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN
(Full title of the plan)

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

(Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan)

 

One Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
(Address of the plan and address of issuer’s principal executive offices)

 
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

 

Table of Contents

 

  Page
   
Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule:  
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 1
   
Financial Statements:  
   
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 2
   
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 3
   
Notes to Financial Statements 4
   
Supplemental Schedule:  
   
Schedule H, line 4i – Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) 10
   
Exhibit:  
   
Exhibit Index 11

 
 

To the Plan Participants and the Thrift Plan Committee of

Caribbean Refrescos, Inc. Thrift Plan

Caribbean Refrescos, Inc.

Cidra, Puerto Rico 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of Caribbean Refrescos, Inc. Thrift Plan (the Plan) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the changes in its net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Plan’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Plan 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 risk 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.

 

Supplemental Schedule

 

The supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2017, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Plan’s financial statements. The supplemental information is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental information. In forming our opinion on the supplemental information, we evaluated whether the supplemental information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, the supplemental information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole. 

 

/s/ Long & Associates, LLC

 

We have served as the Plan’s auditor since 2017.

 

Alpharetta, Georgia

June 27, 2018

1
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

 

Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits

December 31, 2017 and 2016

(In thousands)

 

   2017   2016 
ASSETS          
Investments, at fair value (Note 3)  $40,246   $36,457 
Due from broker   33     
Notes receivable from participants   586    698 
Net assets available for benefits  $40,865   $37,155 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements. 

2
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits

Year Ended December 31, 2017

(In thousands)

 

Additions to net assets attributed to:     
      
Investment income:     
Net appreciation in fair value of investments  $4,017 
Dividend income from common stock    839 
Dividend income from registered investment companies   92 
Total investment income   4,948 
      
Interest income from notes receivable from participants   30 
      
Contributions:     
Participant contributions   1,601 
Employer contributions   524 
Total contributions   2,125 
      
Total additions   7,103 
      
Deductions from net assets attributed to:     
Distributions to participants   (3,383)
Administrative expenses   (10)
Total deductions   (3,393)
      
Net increase in net assets available for benefits   3,710 
      
Net assets available for benefits:     
Beginning of year   37,155 
End of year  $40,865 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

3
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Description of Plan

 

The following description of the Caribbean Refrescos, Inc. Thrift Plan (the “Plan”) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Summary Plan Description for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions.

 

General

 

The Plan is a defined contribution pension plan covering a majority of the employees of Caribbean Refrescos, Inc. (the “Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. Eligible employees may begin participating in the Plan after reaching age 18 and completing three months of service. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

 

Contributions

 

The election to contribute to the Plan by employees (“participants”) is voluntary. Participant contributions are in the form of payroll deductions with the Company currently making a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 3% of compensation contributed by a participant subject to certain limitations imposed by the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011 (the “Code”). Participants are fully vested in their contributions and the Company contributions immediately.

 

Participants may contribute to the Plan with “Before-Tax” dollars and/or “After-Tax” dollars. “Before-Tax” contributions are not subject to current income taxation. For the year 2017, participants may contribute to the Plan on a “Before-Tax” basis up to $15,000 of their annual compensation subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code. In addition to “Before-Tax” contributions, participants may contribute on an “After-Tax” basis up to 10% of their annual compensation, as defined by the Plan. Participants are allowed to roll over account balances from other qualified retirement plans into the Plan. The Plan allows participants who are age 50 or older by the end of the year to make additional “Catch-Up” contributions within limits imposed by the Code.

 

All contributions are paid to a trustee and are invested as directed by participants. Participants may direct their contributions into common stock of The Coca-Cola Company, mutual funds and collective trust funds with various investment objectives and strategies.

 

Valuation of Participant Accounts

 

Participant account balances are valued based upon the number of shares or units of each investment fund credited to participant accounts. The shares and units are revalued on a daily basis to reflect earnings and other transactions. Participant account balances are updated on a daily basis to reflect transactions affecting account balances.

4
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 1 – Description of Plan (Continued)

 

Notes Receivable from Participants

 

Participants may borrow from their account balances subject to certain limitations. Participant loans may be taken from a combination of “Before-Tax”, “After-Tax” and rollover account balances. The following applies to participant loans: 

(a)The maximum amount that a participant may borrow is the lesser of 50% of their account balance or $50,000. The $50,000 maximum is reduced by the participant’s highest outstanding loan balance on any loans during the preceding 12 months.

(b)The minimum amount that a participant may borrow is the lesser of 50% of their account balance or $1,000.

(c)The loan interest rate is the prime rate (as published in The Wall Street Journal at the inception of the loan). Prior to April 1, 2016, the loan interest rate was the prime rate plus 1%.

(d)The loan repayment period is one to five years for a general purpose loan and one to 15 years for a loan used to purchase or build a principal residence. Principal and interest are paid ratably through payroll deductions.

 

Payment of Benefits

 

Generally, payments from the Plan are made in a single lump sum upon a participant’s retirement, termination or disability. However, upon death of a participant, the surviving spouse or other designated beneficiary may choose to receive annual installment payments, up to a maximum of 10, from the Plan. Participants may elect to receive in-service withdrawals from their “After-Tax” account balances.

 

Administration

 

The Company is the named Plan administrator. However, the Thrift Plan Committee of Caribbean Refrescos, Inc. (the “Committee”), on behalf of the Company and as designated in the Plan document, has substantial control of and discretion over the administration of the Plan. Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (the “Trustee”) provides trust services for the Plan, and Transamerica Retirement Solutions provides recordkeeping services for the Plan.

 

Plan Termination

 

The Company expects the Plan to be continued indefinitely but reserves the right to terminate the Plan or to discontinue its contributions to the Plan at any time. In the event of termination, the Committee may either continue the Trust for as long as it considers advisable, or terminate the Trust, pay all expenses from the Trust assets, and direct the payment of participant account balances, either in the form of lump-sum distributions, installment payments, or any other form selected by the Committee.

5
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Accounting

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Plan management to make estimates that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

Valuation of Investments

 

The Plan’s investments are stated at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”). See Note 3 for fair value measurements.

 

Notes Receivable from Participants

 

Participant loans, which are classified as receivables, are stated at the unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. No allowance for credit losses has been recorded as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. Delinquent notes receivable are classified as distributions based upon the terms of the Plan document.

 

Investment Transactions and Income

 

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis. The net appreciation in fair value of investments consists of realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized gains or losses of these investments during the year. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the basis of average cost. Unrealized gains or losses on investments are based on changes in the market values or fair values of such investments.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

Certain administrative expenses were paid by the Plan, as permitted by the Plan document. All other administrative expenses were paid by the Company.

 

Payment of Benefits

 

Distributions to participants are recorded when payment is made. 

6
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements

 

ASC 820 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. The asset or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC 820 established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. 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, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; 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.

 

Investments as of December 31, 2017 were measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) as follows (in thousands):

 

   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   Investments
Using Net
Asset Value
Practical
Expedient*
   Total 
Common stock (A)  $26,043   $   $26,043 
Registered investment companies (B)   6,882        6,882 
Collective trust funds (C)       7,321    7,321 
   $32,925   $7,321   $40,246 
(A)Investments in common stock are in shares of The Coca-Cola Company and are valued using the quoted market price multiplied by the number of shares owned as of the measurement date.
(B)Investments in registered investment companies are valued at the publicly quoted net asset value (“NAV”) of each fund. The total value is calculated by multiplying the NAV per share by the number of shares held as of the measurement date.
(C)The underlying investments held in the collective trust funds are active or passive equity or debt securities. The collective trust funds are valued at the net asset value per share as determined by the manager of the funds multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date. These funds have no redemption restrictions or unfunded commitments.

* In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that were measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented on the statements of net assets available for benefits. 

7
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 3 – Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

Investments as of December 31, 2016 were measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) as follows (in thousands): 

 

   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   Investments
Using NAV
Practical
Expedient*
   Total 
Common stock (A)  $24,934   $   $24,934 
Registered investment companies (B)   4,796        4,796 
Collective trust funds (C)       6,727    6,727 
   $29,730   $6,727   $36,457 
(A)Investments in common stock are in shares of The Coca-Cola Company and are valued using the quoted market price multiplied by the number of shares owned as of the measurement date.
(B)Investments in registered investment companies are valued at the publicly quoted NAV of each fund. The total value is calculated by multiplying the NAV per share by the number of shares held as of the measurement date.
(C)The underlying investments held in the collective trust funds consist of actively managed equity securities. The collective trust funds are valued at the net asset value per share as determined by the manager of the funds multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date. These funds have no redemption restrictions or unfunded commitments.

* In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that were measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented on the statements of net assets available for benefits.

The Plan’s valuation methods used to measure fair value of its investments may produce fair values that may not be indicative of a future sale, or reflective of future fair values. The use of different methods to determine the fair value of investments could result in different estimates of fair value at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2017 and 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no Level 2 or 3 investments.

8
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 4 – Transactions with Parties-in-Interest 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Plan held 567,643 and 601,396 shares of common stock of The Coca-Cola Company with fair values of approximately $26,043,000 and $24,934,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Plan had the following transactions relating to common stock of The Coca-Cola Company (in thousands): 

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Purchases   106   $3,754 
Sales   139   $6,069 
Dividends received   N/A   $839 

Fees paid during the year for investment management, auditing and other professional services rendered by parties-in-interest were based on customary and reasonable rates for such services. 

Note 5 – Risks and Uncertainties 

The Plan invests in various investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the statements of net assets available for benefits. 

Included in investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is common stock of The Coca-Cola Company with a market value of approximately $26,043,000 and $24,934,000, respectively. These investments represent 64.7% and 68.4% of total investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A significant decline in the market value of common stock of The Coca-Cola Company would have an adverse effect on the Plan’s net assets available for benefits. 

Note 6 – Income Tax Status 

The Plan qualifies under Sections 165(a) and 165(e) of the Puerto Rico Income Tax Act of 1954 (the “Act”), as amended (for applicable tax years), Sections 1165(a) and 1165(e) of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 1994, as amended (for applicable tax years), and Sections 1081.01(a) and 1081.01(d) of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended (for applicable tax years) and is, therefore, not subject to tax under present income tax laws. Once qualified, the Plan is required to operate in conformity with the applicable tax requirements to maintain its qualification. The Plan obtained a determination letter on October 19, 1990, in which the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury ruled that the Plan, as then designed, was in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Act. The Plan has been amended subsequent to receiving this determination letter. The Plan obtained letters on October 22, 1998, September 27, 2000, February 16, 2012 and February 10, 2014, in which the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury ruled that the amendments did not affect the qualified status of the Plan. The February 10, 2014 letter provides that the Plan constitutes a qualified retirement plan that satisfies the rules of the Code, as amended. The Committee believes that the Plan is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code and, therefore, believes that the Plan is qualified and the related trust is tax exempt.

9
 

CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN

EIN: 66-0276572 PN: 001

Schedule H, line 4i – Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)

December 31, 2017

             
(a)    (b) Identity of issue, borrower, lessor,
or similar party
     (c) Description of investment including maturity date,
rate of interest, collateral, par, or maturity value
   (e) Current value 
             
    Cash:           
      State Street Bank & Trust Co.    Cash Reserve Account   $222 
                
    Common Stock:           
*    The Coca-Cola Company     Common Stock    26,043,468 
                
    Collective Trust Funds:           
     Invesco Trust Company    Invesco Stable Value Trust Fund    4,123,771 
     Wilmington Trust Retirement    Lazard/Wilmington Emerging Markets Fund    101,775 
     Northern Trust Investments, Inc.    ACWI Ex-U.S. IMI Index Fund    224,430 
     Northern Trust Investments, Inc.    Aggregate Bond Fund    1,890 
     Northern Trust Investments, Inc.    S&P 500 Index Fund    1,370,804 
     Wellington Trust Company, NA    Balanced Real Assets Fund    344 
     Wellington Trust Company, NA    SMID Research Equity Fund    1,497,475 
      Total Collective Trust Funds         7,320,489 
                
    Registered Investment Companies:           
    Columbia Management Advisors, LLC    Contrarian Large Cap Core Equity Fund Y    942,955 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement Income Fund    209,025 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2020 Fund    295,599 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2025 Fund    1,335,449 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2030 Fund    1,678,720 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2035 Fund    599,432 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2040 Fund    102,716 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2045 Fund    113,458 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2050 Fund    87,032 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2055 Fund    93,400 
    J.P. Morgan Asset Management    Smart Retirement 2060 Fund    17,690 
    Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.    Core Plus Bond Fund N    382,555 
    MFS Investment Management    Institutional International Equity Fund    1,023,604 
     Total Registered Investment Companies         6,881,635 
                
    Participant Loans:           
*   Participants    Loans with interest rates ranging from      
           3.5% to 4.5%. Maturities through 2022.    586,449 
                
    

TOTAL ASSETS

(HELD AT END OF YEAR)

        $40,832,263 
                
*   Party-in-interest           

Note: Column (d) cost is not required for participant-directed investments.

10
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No. Description
   
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
11
 

SIGNATURES

The Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Thrift Plan Committee of Caribbean Refrescos, Inc. has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

     
  CARIBBEAN REFRESCOS, INC. THRIFT PLAN
  (Name of Plan)
     
  By:  /s/ Evelyn Montañez  
    Evelyn Montañez
    Chairperson, Thrift Plan Committee of
    Caribbean Refrescos, Inc.

Date: June 27, 2018

12