They also represent an opportunity for margin expansion and global access for international investors.

Colgate continues to focus on margin expansion and unit growth.

"Our ability to grow revenue while continuing to control costs allowed us to deliver another quarter of year-over-year margin expansion."

"We will bring together two strong teams with Radiant Systems playing a vital role in enhancing our long-term growth, margin expansion and earnings appreciation."

He has been a major part of the margin expansion and the expansion of Coke's pervasive distribution on the continent.

Prices are moving up, while production costs decline, so you get built-in margin expansion.

"There was a dramatic margin expansion of the United States beverage business, thanks to price increases and cost-cutting initiatives," Mr. Conway said.

Higher volume growth, a better product mix due to higher sales of multi-axle vehicles and tractor trailers, and cost reduction were key reasons for margin expansion.

Despite increasing trading volumes, analysts added that with limited margin expansion expected this year and higher interest costs, earnings momentum will be relatively measured.

"However," he added, "the difficulty of improving results in an overcrowded North American market is a major factor limiting margin expansion."