NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) May 25, 2016--S&P Global Ratings today assigned its 'AA-' issue-level rating to Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co.'s (Coke's) proposed senior unsecured floating rate notes, final amounts and maturities to be determined. The company is drawing these notes under its shelf registration. The company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or investments, redemption and repayment of short- or long-term borrowings, and share repurchases. Coke benefits from its very strong position as the world's largest nonalcoholic beverage company, anchored by well-known brands, an above-average EBITDA margin, as well as broad geographic diversification, including an extensive global bottling network. We forecast Coke's leverage will be modestly higher over next several
