Coca-Cola Amatil Posts Surge In Profit, Lowers Dividend

reported a strong rise in its full-year profit. Coca-Cola Amatil's net profit for the year surged to 272.1 million Australian dollars (US$211.5 million), versus a year-ago profit of A$79.9 million. The company's profit before one-time items declined 25% to A$375.5 million, versus analysts' estimates of A$376 million. Group sales revenue shrank 1.9% to A$4.94 billion. Coca-Cola Amatil's board lowered its final dividend by 31% to A$0.22 per share. Coca-Cola Amatil shares gained 1.73% to close at $7.66 on Friday.