01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed April 10, 2002. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on April 10, 2002, to disclose the posting of unaudited pro forma financial information on its website.
This information pertains to Ecolab's acquisition of the remaining 50 percent of the Henkel-Ecolab joint venture, which was completed on November 30, 2001. The filing serves to ensure broad investor access to this supplementary financial data under Regulation FD. The pro forma information provides a more detailed view of the combined entity's financial performance, presenting interim quarterly and annual periods for 2000 and 2001.
It includes adjustments for the cessation of goodwill amortization (FASB Statement No. 142) and other reclassifications, offering a different perspective than previously filed pro forma statements. Investors should note that this published material is not prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X and is intended as an aid to understanding ongoing results, not as an indicator of future performance.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Ecolab is providing supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information regarding its November 30, 2001 acquisition of the Henkel-Ecolab joint venture.
- This information is being made available on Ecolab's website to comply with Regulation FD and ensure equal access for all investors.
- The pro forma data covers quarterly interim and annual periods for 2000 and 2001, presenting the acquisition as if it occurred on historical dates.
- Key differences from previous filings include presentation by fiscal quarter, additional 2001 fourth quarter and full-year data, and the assumption of FASB Statement No. 142 (cessation of goodwill amortization) for all periods presented.
- The pro forma information also reflects reclassifications due to Ecolab's adoption of ETIF 01-09 regarding vendor consideration.
- Ecolab explicitly states that this published material is not prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X and is not considered indicative of actual or future operating results.
- The unaudited pro forma information will be available on Ecolab's website until June 30, 2002.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this 8-K filing?
The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to inform investors that Ecolab is publishing unaudited pro forma financial information on its website related to its acquisition of the Henkel-Ecolab joint venture. This is done to comply with Regulation FD, ensuring all investors have access to the same information simultaneously.
How does the newly published pro forma information differ from previous filings?
The published pro forma information offers more granular data, presenting it by fiscal quarter for 2000 and 2001, unlike the broader periods shown in prior filings. It also incorporates the impact of FASB Statement No. 142 (cessation of goodwill amortization) retroactively and includes specific reclassification adjustments related to vendor considerations. These differences mean the information is not strictly prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X.
Should investors treat this pro forma information as actual or future financial results?
No, investors should not treat this pro forma information as indicative of actual results that would have been achieved or as a prediction of future operating results. Ecolab explicitly states that the data is subject to assumptions and limitations and disclaims any duty to update it. It is intended to assist investors in understanding ongoing financial results, not as audited or guaranteed performance.
When will this pro forma information be removed from Ecolab's website?
The unaudited pro forma information is anticipated to remain available on Ecolab's website through June 30, 2002.
04—Continue