Coca-Cola reported a solid first quarter

The Coca-Cola Company today reported solid first quarter 2009 results despite a challenging economic environment, with unit case volume increasing 2 percent, successfully cycling 6 percent growth in the prior year quarter.

Acquisitions contributed 1 percentage point of unit case volume growth for the quarter. After considering items impacting comparability, earnings per share for the quarter were $0.65, a decrease of 3 percent versus the 2008 first quarter. “While the global economic environment remains challenging, we are well positioned for long-term growth. Our business was built for times like these,” said Muhtar Kent, president and chief executive officer, The Coca-Cola Company.