Ecolab’s Profits Meet Expectations

Ecolab Inc. has reported second-quarter profits barely changed from a year ago, as it struggled against slow economies and weak foreign currencies. The company said net income was $48.19 million, compared with $48.41 million last year. Sales rose 4% to $596 million.

Allan Schuman, Ecolab’s chairman and chief executive, said earnings per share for the year should rise 7-9% even though “general economic conditions have deteriorated over the last few months and offer few prospects for improvement soon.”