Coca-Cola today reported a 37 per cent jump in third-quarter profit on healthy sales growth in China, Mexico and other international markets,
Coca-Cola, which has rolled out a flurry of new products this year, said it kept its share of the worldwide soft-drink market and gained on rivals in the sports beverage, juice and juice drink categories in the quarter.
Reigniting sales of Coca-Cola Classic and other core soft drinks, the cornerstone of Coke's business, has been a top priority since the Atlanta-based company embarked on a sweeping restructuring of its operations more than five years ago.
Analysts have said a key to Coca-Cola's future is capturing more consumers who have moved away from sugary soft drinks to diet versions or to healthier low- or no-calorie beverages such as water and orange juices with reduced sugar.
In the third quarter, earnings rose to $1.28 billion, or 54 cents per share, from $935 million, or 39 cents per share, a year earlier.
Revenue rose to $6.04 billion from $5.6 billion, exceeding Wall Street estimates of $5.95 billion. The news sent its shares up 2 per cent.
In morning New York Stock Exchange trading, Coke shares were up 85 cents at $42.65.