The US soft drinks producer, Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG), has confirmed its earnings-per-share guidance for the third quarter of 2003 of US$0.66 to US$0.70.

The company expects EPS to come in at the lower end of the range, reflecting flat volumes in the US and weaker volumes in Mexico. PBG says it expects to finish the quarter with Mexican volumes down by 5%.

However, European volumes are forecast to rise by between 6% and 7% for the third quarter. Worldwide volumes will be flat, the company said.