CHICAGO (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co reported stronger-than-expected quarterly sales as higher demand for its beverages in China, India and Brazil offset a drop in North America, sending the world's largest soft-drink maker's shares up 3.3 percent.

Lower costs and volume gain helped lift profit, which was in line with analysts' estimates. The company gained market share in the carbonated and non-carbonated drinks markets.

Results continued a trend for the maker of Diet Coke, Sprite and Dasani water, which has relied on strength overseas to counter a weak North American market that is beset by high unemployment and low consumer confidence.

"This continues to be a story about emerging market growth," Morningstar analyst Phil Gorham said.

He noted "some really strong numbers in China and India, particularly when you (consider) that they are actually cycling a pretty strong quarter in '08."

Still, Coke gave a tepid outlook for the current year.

"With consumers still challenged by a mixed global recovery, there again may be bumps along the way with quarter-to-quarter volatility still possible as we move through 2010," Coke chief executive Muhtar Kent said on a conference call. Coca-Cola said net income attributable to shareholders rose to $1.54 billion, or 66 cents per share, from $995 million, or 43 cents per share, a year earlier.