During the quarter ending June 30 2002, P&G spent $3.3bn on marketing, research and administration, a fall of 4% on the same period last year, when it spent $3.4bn. P&G markets more than 250 brands, including Pampers, Ariel, Pringles and Vicks.
P&G's chairman and chief executive AG Lafley said: "Our business results continue to be strong behind our focus strategies of improving consumer value, investing behind core brands and driving cost savings to the bottom line."
Unilever and P&G are among the consumer products giants that have decided to slim down their brand portfolios and focus on the brands that are the most profitable for their companies.
Share in P&G, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, closed down 2.67%, or $2.40, at $87.44 last night.
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