COCA COLA CO current report, Q2 FY2012

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Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 8-K filing by The Coca-Cola Company reports the results of the Annual Meeting of Shareowners held on April 25, 2012, in Atlanta, Georgia. The filing covers the election of directors, the ratification of independent auditors, and an advisory vote on executive compensation.

Key Financial Metrics

This filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document is strictly a report on corporate governance voting outcomes.

Material Changes and Voting Results

Election of Directors

All 18 nominees were elected to the Board of Directors for a term expiring in 2013. Notable voting statistics include:

  • Herbert A. Allen: 1,588,595,358 FOR; 24,906,373 AGAINST.
  • Ronald W. Allen: 1,124,826,743 FOR; 488,686,390 AGAINST (Highest "Against" vote count).
  • Barry Diller: 1,359,896,944 FOR; 246,502,909 AGAINST.
  • Jacob Wallenberg: 1,307,337,202 FOR; 306,147,317 AGAINST.
  • James B. Williams: 1,507,387,486 FOR; 105,701,685 AGAINST.
  • Broker Non-Votes: 293,427,189 shares were recorded as broker non-votes for all director elections.

Ratification of Independent Auditors

Shareowners ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

  • FOR: 1,883,297,221
  • AGAINST: 23,788,703
  • ABSTENTIONS: 2,678,316

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

Shareowners approved the advisory vote on executive compensation.

  • FOR: 1,557,713,706
  • AGAINST: 46,704,756
  • ABSTENTIONS: 11,914,089
  • Broker Non-Votes: 293,431,189

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

The filing text does not provide management commentary, financial guidance, outlook, risks, contingencies, or unusual items. The document is limited to the tabulation of shareholder votes.

Key Facts for Investor Verification

  • Verify the total number of shares outstanding and the quorum status at the April 25, 2012 meeting.
  • Note the significant "Against" votes for specific directors (Ronald W. Allen, Barry Diller, Jacob Wallenberg) compared to others.
  • Confirm the high volume of broker non-votes (approx. 293 million) which did not count toward the "For" or "Against" totals for director elections.
  • Review the full proxy statement for context on the specific issues raised regarding the directors receiving higher "Against" vote percentages.