UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

OR

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to               

Commission File No. 1-9328

ECOLAB INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

370 Wabasha Street N., St. Paul, Minnesota  55102

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

1-800-232-6522

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Not Applicable)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of March 31, 2014.

300,199,314 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ECOLAB INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial information.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial information.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial information.

(Continued)

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(a)   Common stock, 800 million shares authorized, $1.00 par value per share, 300.2 million shares outstanding at March 31, 2014, 301.1 million shares outstanding at December 31, 2013. Shares outstanding are net of treasury stock.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial information.

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial information.

(Continued)

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial information.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.                                      Consolidated Financial Information

The unaudited consolidated financial information for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of Ecolab Inc. (“Ecolab” or “the company”) for the interim periods presented. The financial results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

With respect to the unaudited financial information of the company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 included in this Form 10-Q, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report dated May 8, 2014 appearing herein states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), for their report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

Effective in the first quarter of 2014, certain employee-related costs from the company’s recently acquired businesses that were historically presented within cost of sales were revised and reclassified to selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. These immaterial revisions were made to conform with management’s view of the respective costs within the global organizational model. Total costs reclassified were $25.2 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 and $78.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Results for 2013 have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassification had no impact on net earnings, financial position or cash flows.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.                                      Special (Gains) and Charges

Special (gains) and charges reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income include the following:

For segment reporting purposes, special (gains) and charges are included in the Corporate segment, which is consistent with the company’s internal management reporting.

Restructuring Charges

The company incurs net costs for restructuring activities associated with plans to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness and sharpen its competitiveness. These restructuring plans include net costs associated with significant actions involving employee-related severance charges, contract termination costs and asset write-downs and disposals. Employee termination costs are largely based on policies and severance plans, and include personnel reductions and related costs for severance, benefits and outplacement services. These charges are reflected in the quarter when the actions are probable and the amounts are estimable, which typically is when management approves the associated actions. Contract termination costs include charges to terminate leases prior to the end of their respective terms and other contract terminations. Asset write-downs and disposals include leasehold improvement write-downs, other asset write-downs associated with combining operations and disposal of assets.

Restructuring charges have been included as a component of both cost of sales and special (gains) and charges on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Amounts included as a component of cost of sales include supply chain related severance and other asset write-downs associated with combining operations. Restructuring liabilities have been classified as a component of both other current and non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.                                      Special (Gains) and Charges (continued)

Energy Restructuring Plan

On April 10, 2013, the company completed its acquisition of privately held Champion Technologies and its related company Corsicana Technologies (collectively “Champion”).

In April 2013, following the completion of the acquisition of Champion, the company commenced plans to undertake restructuring and other cost-saving actions to realize its acquisition-related cost synergies as well as streamline and strengthen Ecolab’s position in the fast growing global energy market (the “Energy Restructuring Plan”). Actions associated with the acquisition to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the business include a reduction of the combined business’s current global workforce by approximately 500 positions. A number of these reductions are expected to be achieved through eliminating open positions and attrition. The company also anticipates leveraging and simplifying its global supply chain, including the reduction of plant and distribution center locations and product line optimization, as well as the reduction of other redundant facilities.

The company expects to incur pretax restructuring charges of approximately $80 million ($55 million after tax) under the Energy Restructuring Plan through the completion of the Plan in 2015. Approximately $35 million ($25 million after tax) of those charges are expected to occur in 2014. During 2013, the company incurred $27 million ($19 million after tax) of charges related to the Energy Restructuring Plan.

The company anticipates that approximately $60 million of the $80 million of the pre-tax charges represent cash expenditures. The remaining pre-tax charges represent estimated asset write-downs and disposals. No decisions have been made for any asset disposals and estimates could vary depending on the actual actions taken.

As a result of restructuring activities under the Energy Restructuring Plan, the company recorded restructuring charges of $4.9 million ($3.0 million after tax), during the first quarter of 2014.

Restructuring charges and activity related to the Energy Restructuring Plan since inception of the underlying actions include the following:

Cash payments under the Energy Restructuring Plan were $4.2 million during the first three months of 2014 and $17.5 million during 2013. The majority of cash payments under this Plan are related to severance, with the current accrual expected to be paid over the next twelve months.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.                                      Special (Gains) and Charges (continued)

Combined Restructuring Plan

In February 2011, the company commenced a comprehensive plan to substantially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its European business, as well as to undertake certain restructuring activities outside of Europe (the “2011 Restructuring Plan”). Additionally, in January 2012, following the merger with Nalco Holding Company (“Nalco”), the company formally commenced plans to undertake restructuring actions related to the reduction of its global workforce and optimization of its supply chain and office facilities, including planned reductions of plant and distribution center locations (the “Merger Restructuring Plan”). During the first quarter of 2013, the company determined that because the objectives of the plans discussed above were aligned, the previously separate restructuring plans should be combined into one plan.

The combined restructuring plan (the “Combined Plan”) combines opportunities and initiatives from both plans and continues to follow the original format of the Merger Restructuring Plan by focusing on global actions related to optimization of the supply chain and office facilities, including reductions of plant and distribution center locations and the global workforce. Through substantial completion of the Combined Plan at the end of 2014, the company expects to incur pre-tax charges of approximately $50 million ($40 million after tax) during 2104. During 2013, the company incurred $64 million ($48 million after tax) of charges related to the Combined Plan.

The company anticipates that substantially all of the remaining Combined Plan pre-tax charges will represent net cash expenditures.

As a result of restructuring activities under the Combined Plan, the company recorded restructuring charges of $23.7 million ($19.8 million after tax) and $20.8 million ($14.3 million after tax), during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Restructuring charges and activity related to the Combined Plan since inception of the underlying actions include the following:

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.                                      Special (Gains) and Charges (continued)

Net cash payments under the Combined Plan were $21.7 million during the first three months of 2014 and $192.2 million from 2011 through 2013. The majority of cash payments under this Plan are related to severance, with the current accrual expected to be paid over a period of a few months to several quarters.

Non-restructuring Special (Gains) and Charges

Champion acquisition and integration costs

As a result of the Champion acquisition completed in 2013, the company incurred charges of $6.5 million ($4.1 million after tax) and $10.0 million ($7.1 million after tax) during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Champion related costs incurred during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 have been included as a component of special (gains) and charges and net interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Amounts included in special (gains) and charges include acquisition costs, advisory and legal fees and integration charges. Amounts included in net interest expense include the interest expense through the close date of the Champion transaction of the company’s $500 million public debt issuance in December 2012 as well as amortizable fees to secure term loans and short-term debt, all of which were initiated to fund the Champion acquisition. Further information related to the acquisition of Champion is included in Note 3.

Nalco merger and integration costs

As a result of the Nalco merger completed in 2011, the company incurred charges of $1.3 million ($0.9 million after tax) and $3.8 million ($2.7 million after tax) during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Nalco related special charges for 2014 and 2013 have been included as a component of special (gains) and charges on the Consolidated Statement of Income, and include integration charges.

Venezuelan currency devaluation

On February 8, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency, the Bolivar Fuerte (“Bolivar”). As a result of the devaluation, during the first quarter of 2013, the company recorded a charge of $22.9 million ($15.0 million after tax), reflected as a component of special (gains) and charges, due to the remeasurement of the local balance sheet. Due to the ownership structure in place in Venezuela, the company also reflected a portion of the impact of the devaluation as a component of net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

3.                                      Acquisitions and Dispositions

Champion acquisition

On April 10, 2013, the company completed its acquisition of Champion, a global energy specialty products and services company delivering its offerings to the oil and gas industry. The total fair value of cash and stock consideration transferred to acquire all of Champion’s stock was approximately $2 billion. Champion’s sales for the business acquired by the company were approximately $1.3 billion in 2012. The business became part of the company’s Global Energy reportable segment in the second quarter of 2013.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3.                                      Acquisitions and Dispositions (continued)

The company incurred certain acquisition related costs associated with the transaction that were expensed as incurred and are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income. A total of $6.5 million and $10.0 million were incurred during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amounts included in special (gains) and charges include acquisition costs, advisory and legal fees and integration charges. Amounts included in net interest expense include the interest expense through the close date of the Champion transaction of the company’s $500 million public debt issuance in December 2012 as well as amortizable fees to secure term loans and short-term debt, all of which were initiated to fund the Champion acquisition.

The Champion acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, that most assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the value of Champion assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2013. During 2013, adjustments of $37.1 million were made to the preliminary purchase price allocation of the assets and liabilities assumed with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.

Also summarized in the table, during the first quarter of 2014, net adjustments of $16.9 million were made to the value of Champion assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As the adjustments were not significant, they have been recorded in 2014 and are not reflected in the 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Purchase price allocations were finalized during the first quarter of 2014.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3.                                      Acquisitions and Dispositions (continued)

The adjustments to the purchase price allocation during the first quarter of 2014 primarily relate to estimated contingent liabilities, updated property, plant and equipment values and deferred taxes.

In accordance with the acquisition agreement, except under limited circumstances, the company was required to pay an additional amount in cash, up to $100 million in the aggregate, equal to 50% of the incremental tax on the merger consideration as a result of increases in applicable gains and investment taxes after December 31, 2012. In January 2014, in accordance with the above discussion, an additional payment of $86.4 million was made to the acquired entity’s former stockholders.

The customer relationships, trademarks and other technology are being amortized over weighted average lives of 14, 12 and 7 years, respectively.

The results of Champion’s operations have been included in the company’s consolidated financial statements since the close of the acquisition in April 2013. Due to the rapid pace at which the business is being fully integrated with the company’s Global Energy segment, including all customer selling activity, discrete financial data specific to the legacy Champion business is not necessarily available post acquisition.

Based on applicable accounting and reporting guidance, the Champion acquisition is not material to the company’s consolidated financial statements; therefore, pro forma financial information has not been presented.

Other acquisition activity

2014 Activity

During the first quarter of 2014, the company completed one business combination. In addition, two transactions were completed subsequent to the end of the first quarter.

In December 2013, subsequent to the company’s year end for international operations, the company completed the acquisition of AkzoNobel’s Purate business, which specializes in global antimicrobial water treatment. Pre-acquisition annual sales of the business were approximately $23 million. The acquired business became part of the company’s Global Industrial reportable segment during the first quarter of 2014.

In March 2014, subsequent to the company’s quarter end for international operations, the company acquired AK Kraus & Hiller Schädlingsbekamäpfung, one of Germany’s leading commercial pest elimination service providers. Pre-acquisition annual sales of the business were approximately $4 million. The business will become part of the company’s Other reportable segment during the second quarter of 2014.

In March 2014, subsequent to the company’s quarter end for international operations, the company purchased the remaining interest in a joint venture held in South Africa. The transaction is not significant to the company’s operations.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3.         Acquisitions and Dispositions (continued)

2013 Activity

During the first quarter of 2013, the company completed one business combination.

In January 2013, the company completed the acquisition of Mexico-based Quimiproductos S.A. de C.V. (“Quimiproductos”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (commonly known as FEMSA). Quimiproductos produces and supplies cleaning, sanitizing and water treatment goods and services to breweries and beverage companies located in Mexico and Central and South America. Pre-acquisition annual sales of the business were approximately $43 million. Approximately $8 million of the purchase price was placed in an escrow account for indemnification purposes related to general representations and warranties. The business became part of the company’s Global Industrial reportable segment during the first quarter of 2013.

Other acquisition summary

Acquisitions during the first three months of 2014 and all of 2013 were not material to the company’s consolidated financial statements; therefore, pro forma financial information is not presented. The aggregate purchase price of acquisitions has been reduced for any cash or cash equivalents acquired with the acquisitions. Based upon purchase price allocations, the components of the aggregate purchase prices of completed acquisitions during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are shown in the following table.

During the first quarter of 2013, the remaining $13 million escrow balance related to the O.R. Solutions Inc. acquisition was paid to the seller, and as previously discussed, approximately $8 million of the Quimiproductos purchase price was placed in an escrow account. The contingent consideration activity primarily relates to payments on legacy Nalco acquisitions.

The weighted average useful lives of identifiable intangible assets acquired during the first three months of 2014 and 2013, as shown in the previous table, were 10 and 13 years, respectively.

Dispositions

There were no business disposals during the first quarter of 2014 or 2013.

In April 2014, subsequent to the company’s quarter end, the company sold an immaterial business in Italy that was part of the company’s Institutional reportable segment.

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ECOLAB INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

4.         Balance Sheet Information