Coca-Cola Q4 profit tops analysts’ estimates amid Asia sales boost

Coca-Cola Co, the world’s largest soft-drink maker, reported fourth-quarter profit that topped analysts’ estimates as teas and juices boosted sales in Asia.

Profit excluding some items was 79 cents a share, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola said yesterday. That exceeded the 77c average of 14 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Net income in the quarter fell to $1.65 billion (€1.25bn), or 72c a share, from $5.77bn, or $2.46, a year earlier, when the company posted a gain from an acquisition.

Chief executive Muhtar Kent is expanding sales of beverages in Asia with global marketing campaigns and products such as its Minute Maid Pulpy juice drink. Fourth-quarter sales volume climbed 5% in Japan and 10% in China.