New York -- Colgate-Palmolive Co. reports that its first-quarter net income rose 12% as the household products giant continued to post sales gains that outshined its competitors, according to a report from Reuters news service.

The maker of Colgate toothpaste and Ajax dishwashing liquid told Reuters that net income rose 12% to $267.9 million, or $.44 a share. According to Reuters, analysts had expected earnings of $.42 to $.44 a share, with an average estimate of $.43.

Maintenance services and supplies company Ecolab Inc. says its first-quarter 2001 net income met Wall Street expectations and rose 4% on record sales.

The St. Paul, Minn.-based company told Reuters that its net income for the quarter ended March 31 was $44.4 million, or $.34 a share, compared with $42.6 million, or $.31 per diluted share last year.