Coke’s profits beat analysts’ forecasts

Coca-Cola, the world’s largest soft-drink maker, has reported first-quarter profit that topped analysts’ estimates, helped by pricing increases and demand in North America.

Net income rose 7.9% to $2.05bn (€1.5m), or 89 cents a share, from $1.9bn, or 82 cents, a year earlier, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola said yesterday.

Analysts projected 87 cents, the average of 14 estimates compiled by Bloomberg.