Strong overseas sales put fizz in Coca-Cola's 4Q

Coca-Cola's strong overseas growth more than made up for a weak North American market in the fourth quarter, sending profit up 55 percent for the world's largest beverage maker.

The company, whose brands include Sprite and Diet Coke, sold 5 percent more beverages worldwide _ with unit case volume up sharply in emerging markets like China and India. It also posted solid growth in Latin America.

Shares rose $1.86, or 3.5 percent, to $54.51 in morning trading.

The only region to report a decline in case volume was North America, which makes up about one-fourth of the company's sales. The region reported a 1 percent drop-off in the figure _ a sign that …