Coca-Cola Expects Volume Measure to Grow

Coca-Cola Co., the world’s No. 1 soft-drink company, said it expects a key measure of worldwide volume to grow by 4% to 5% in its first quarter, boosted by a strong international performance. But Coke said its unit case volume in North America would grow by only about 1%, below analysts’ forecasts. The company’s worldwide outlook matched analysts’ expectations. Analysts were expecting growth of 1.5% to 3% in North America, a critical segment for the company, where it faces increased competition from archrival PepsiCo Inc. The companies are battling to promote their core brands and new beverages while consumers search for alternatives to carbonated soft drinks. Coke said it expects North American volume trends to accelerate throughout the year, boosted by added marketing activities such as new advertising for its main brand, Coca-Cola. Shares of Coca-Cola, a component of the Dow Jones industrial average, fell 66 cents to close at $45.95 on the NYSE.