New York - The US toothpaste and cosmetic giant Colgate- Palmolive Co Thursday reported a 19 per cent boost in third-quarter profits over the same period last year, citing strong sales in Latin America and higher prices.

Earnings climbed to 500 million dollars. Sales were up 13 per cent to 4 billion dollars, thanks to favourable currency exchange, the company said in a statement.

The results exceeded analysts' expectations, in a rare bit of good news for hard-hit stock investors. (dpa)