Coca-Cola profit beats as North America soda sales pick up

(Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) reported a better-than-expected profit as sales in North America, its biggest market, rose for the first time in four quarters, offsetting the impact of a stronger dollar on its overseas business.

Shares of the world's largest beverage maker rose 3.4 percent in premarket trading.

Coke's sales in North America have declined or remained flat for the last three quarters as U.S. consumers opt for healthier beverages and shift away from diet sodas due to concerns over artificial sweeteners.

North American sales rose 2 percent to $5.37 billion in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, accounting for about half of total sales.

Analysts say U.S. consumers are still drinking less soda but are paying more for it.