Sodastream Off Sharply; New Competive Headwind?

Sodastream International Ltd. SODA shares fell as much as 4 percent to near a 52 week low Friday. Sodastream, which offers home soda-making machines, has faced increasing headwinds from competitors recently and first quarter earnings fell sharply. Revenue grew overall, but declined 28 percent in the key American market. Starbucks Corp. SBUX unveiled plans Monday that might prove a competitive stumbling block, saying it will launch sales of carbonated beverages made with its proprietary Fizzio machine. "Unlike existing sodas or at-home carbonation options," Starbucks said, "the machine carbonates finished beverages, ensuring every ingredient in the beverage receives the same level of carbonation and maximum flavor." Sodastrem traded recently at $33.28, down 3.2 percent.