Ecolab Announces 2014 Q1 Results

Ecolab reported record first-quarter sales for the first three months of 2014, though revenue declined from the  company's record-setting fourth quarter. Its specialty chemicals unit, energy business and food and beverage lines led the way with growing sales from the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions.

In a conference call, CEO Doug Baker stated, "We continue to expect a strong year in 2014. Global economies remain choppy, so we continue to focus on driving sales growth through our strong value proposition — providing the leading products and on-site service that deliver the best results and lowest operating costs for customers — while also generating improved cost efficiencies and synergies to further accelerate earnings growth. We are in a terrific position, with major growth opportunities in all of our markets."