Coca-Cola posts second quarter profit hike of 16%

COCA-COLA posted a 16% increase in second-quarter profit as North American sales volumes climbed for the first time since 2007.

Total profits rose to $2.37 billion (€1.86bn), or $1.02 a share, the company said yesterday. Excluding some items, profit was $1.06, compared with the $1.03 average of estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Beverage volume in North America advanced 2%, compared with a 1% decline a year ago.