Coca-Cola profits up by 8%

COCA-COLA, the world’s largest soft-drink maker, boosted third-quarter profit by 8.4% after winning more customers overseas and increasing North American sales volume for the second quarter in a row.

Net income advanced to €1.50 billion ($2.06bn), or 88 cents a share, the Atlanta-based company said yesterday. Excluding some items, profit was 92 cents, compared with the 89-cent average of estimates compiled by Bloomberg. The company also said it may repurchase $2 billion of its shares this year, up from the $1.5 billion announced previously.

Volumes in the Eurasia and Africa group grew 12%, making it the fastest-growing unit, as Coca-Cola launched new drinks in India and Russia.