Procter Profit Jumps 40%

Procter & Gamble Co., the world’s largest maker of soaps, detergents and other household and personal care products, today reported a 40% leap in profits to $490 million for the latest quarter.

P&G; said earnings for the quarter ended Dec. 31, its second quarter, were boosted by a jump in sales to $6.86 billion, up from $6.03 billion a year earlier, when it earned $350 million.

Industry analysts said that with strong overseas growth, the results were in line with Wall Street expectations. Analysts said they expect Procter, considered recession-proof, to have a good year, but said the next quarter may be slower, as the company spends to roll out a new detergent.