Coca-Cola sales rise as vaccinations roll out, venues open
Posted Apr 19, 2021 5:27 am.
Last Updated Apr 19, 2021 9:17 am.
ATLANTA – Sales are steadily improving at Coca-Cola Co. as vaccinations allow for the opening of stadiums, restaurants and theatres in many regions globally.
Sales rose five per cent in the January-March period this year, the Atlanta company said Monday, helped by strong growth in China and India. But the recovery is uneven. Case volume declined in North America and Europe, where many dining rooms and other venues remain closed.
Net income dropped 19 per cent to $2.2 billion in the first quarter. Excluding one-time items, the company earned 55 cents per share. That exceeded Wall Street’s forecast of 50 cents, according to analysts polled by FactSet.
Coke’s revenue rose per cent to $9.0 billion, ahead of the $8.6 billion analysts had forecast.
Dee-Ann Durbin, The Associated Press
