PepsiCo raises guidance, reports profit increase on snack sales

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PEPSICO (PEP.NY)Inc said on Thursday that it was raising its full-year earnings per share guidance as its quarterly profit rose on strong snack sales.

The company, which sells Frito-Lay snacks as well as beverage brands like Mountain Dew and Tropicana, said that net income was $2 billion, or $1.32 a share, in the third quarter ended Sept. 6, up from $1.9 billion, or $1.23 a share a year earlier.

The company increased its full year earnings per share growth forecast to 9 percent from 8 percent before taking into account currency impacts.

(Reporting by Anjali Athavaley, Editing by Franklin Paul)