ATLANTA (AP) — The Coca-Cola Co surprised investors with a better-than-expected first quarter, but it’s still expecting slower growth for the full year.

Coke reported net income of US$1.7 billion, or 39 cents per share, up from 32 cents per share in the January-March period a year ago.

Without one-time items, Coke earned 48 cents per share, beating Wall Street’s expectations. Analysts forecast earnings of 46 cents per share.

Revenue grew five per cent to US$8 billion, also topping analysts’ expectations. Operating revenue rose in all of Coke’s global regions.

Coke shares jumped four per cent to US$49.10 in pre-market trading.

In February Coke triggered its worst sell-off in more than a decade, after it forecast slower-than-expected revenue growth this year because of currency fluctuations and volatility in emerging markets. Coke still expects organic revenue growth of 4 per cent this year, which is a percentage point slower than in 2018.

In the first quarter Coke was able to command better pricing, particularly in Europe and Latin America. It also saw 6 per cent growth in sales of water and sports drinks. Soft drink sales were up one per cent, while juice, tea and coffee sales were flat from the prior year.