Coca-Cola’s Profit Rises Despite Slowing Demand And Sluggish Economy

NEW YORK – Coca-Cola says its profitrose in the third-quarter as the world’sbiggest beverage maker managed to sellmore of its drinks despite choppy economicconditions.The maker of Sprite, Powerade andVitaminwater said global sales volumeedged up 2%, fueled by its performance inemerging markets such as China, Indiaand Russia.Revenue declined because of structuralchanges and unfavorable currencyexchange rates.For the period, the company says it earned$2.45 billion, or 54 cents per share. A yearago, the company earned $2.31 billion, or50 cents per share.Not including one-time items, earningsper share were 53 cents. That matchedexpectations.Revenue fell 3% to $12.03, which wasshort of the $12.05 billion analysts expected.Shares of Coca-Cola Co. rose 1.6% at$38.51