Coke manages to boost 4th-quarter profit

Facing challenges from foreign exchange rates, reduced demand for carbonated beverages and bumpy markets in Europe and China, Coca-Cola still managed to increase its fourth-quarter profit, the company said Tuesday.

Net income was $1.87 billion, or 41 cents a share, compared with $1.66 billion, or 36 cents a share, in the period a year earlier.

Revenue rose 4 percent, to $11.46 billion.

“In some of the key markets in Europe, sales were down more than expected, and I think that’s got people spooked a bit,” said Jack Russo, a stock analyst at Edward Jones.