PepsiCo said it earned $1.13 billion, or 71 cents per...

PepsiCo said it earned $1.13 billion, or 71 cents per share, in the three months ended March 24, 2012. That’s compared with $1.14 billion, or 71 cents per share, in the year-ago period. (Feb. 9, 2011) Credit: AP

PepsiCo Inc. says its first-quarter net income was flat from a year ago, as the food and beverage giant hiked prices to make up for rising commodity costs.

The Purchase, N.Y.-based company says it earned $1.13 billion, or 71 cents per share, in the three months ended March 24. That's compared with $1.14 billion, or 71 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Not including one-time items, the company says it earned 69 cents per share, which topped Wall Street expectations for 66 cents per share.

Like many other food and beverage companies, PepsiCo is struggling to balance higher commodity costs without scaring off budget consumers with too many price hikes. The company says it raised prices in the latest quarter on the strength of its brands.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail. Credit: Anthony Florio; File Footage; Photo Credit: Newsday / James Carbone, John Paraskevas; AP / David Bookstaver, Clark County Sheriff's Office, Richard Drew, Mitchell Tapper, Don Ryan; Peconic River Sportsman’s Club / Kerry Goldberg

'He will be ... coming out of prison in a body bag' Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail. Credit: Anthony Florio; File Footage; Photo Credit: Newsday / James Carbone, John Paraskevas; AP / David Bookstaver, Clark County Sheriff's Office, Richard Drew, Mitchell Tapper, Don Ryan; Peconic River Sportsman’s Club / Kerry Goldberg

'He will be ... coming out of prison in a body bag' Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME