A global leader in the beverage industry Coca-Cola Co has announced flat net profits for its third quarter of 2009, profit went flat in the third quarter as revenue declined.

Coca-Cola Co said that net profits for three months totalled US$1.896 bn, compared to $1.890 bn a year earlier.

Accordingly, net sales were down by 4% at $8.04bn, with operating profits sliding by 2% to $2.16bn.

Net profits have registered a 10% rise in the first nine months of 2009, coming in at $5.28bn, with sales down by 5% to $23.48bn, however operating profits have declined by 4% at $6.45bn.

Coca-Cola chairman and CEO, Muhtar Kent is "pleased" with the "solid results" in the quarter.
In North America, net sales has risen by 1% in this year so far, Europe finds hard time in this year with sales dropping by 13% and operating profits falling by 9%, there were volume gains in India and China.

"We continue to grow our currency neutral revenues, gain global non-alcoholic ready-to-drink volume and value share, expand our margins and invest in our business, all while generating tremendous cash flow," Kent said.

"The fundamentals of our business remain strong and our franchise system is delivering results that keep us on track to achieve our long-term growth expectations," he said.

Kent pointed the strategies which is executed, "Although we expect the consumer to continue facing economic uncertainties into 2010 and for consumer sentiment to recover slowly, we believe more than ever that we have the right strategies being executed." Kent added.