Coca-Cola 4Q Profit Down 18%

The Coca-Cola Co. (KO) said its fourth-quarter profit fell 18 percent as it dealt with the global recession and volatility in the currency markets. The company earned $995 million, or 43 cents per share, in the quarter ended Dec. 31, down from $1.21 billion, or 52 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue fell 3 percent to $7.13 billion from $7.33 billion a year ago.

Analysts expected profit of 61 cents per share on revenue of $7.52 billion. Analysts typically exclude one-time items from their estimates.

by Mark Anderson |  02/12/09  |  Stocks: KO,