Increase sales across non-carbonated drinks helped The Coca-Cola Company report second quarter earnings per share of $0.55 or US$1.36 billion, a 12% increase from the same period last year.
Worldwide unit case volume increased 5% in the second quarter and 4% for the first six months. The company said the results in the quarter were driven by 2% carbonated soft drink growth and nearly 20% growth in noncarbonated beverages. Year-to-date unit case growth reflects an increase of 5% in international operations and 3% in North America.
Doug Daft, chairman and chief executive officer, said: “Given our emphasis on profitable growth and cash flow generation throughout our business, we are encouraged by the results we have generated in the current global operating environment. We will continue to execute this strategy while balancing performance across our global portfolio of countries and key markets.”
The company had a rough first quarter, hurt by the weak global economy and a war-induced downturn in sales at hotels and restaurants. In the second quarter, however, those troubles mostly ended.
