8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

ECOLAB INC. 8-K Report, Financial Results (Feb 12, 2007)

Filed February 12, 2007For Securities:ECL

Summary

Ecolab Inc. (ECL) filed an 8-K on February 12, 2007, to report its fourth quarter and full-year results for 2006. A key focus of this filing is the company's proactive approach to enhancing financial transparency for investors. Ecolab highlighted a $0.01 per share charge taken in the fourth quarter of 2005 related to the repatriation of foreign earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Management believes that by disclosing this specific one-time charge, investors can more effectively compare the company's current operating results with prior periods, thereby gaining a clearer understanding of underlying business performance. This disclosure aims to provide a more comparable view of earnings, free from the impact of this non-recurring item.

Key Highlights

  • 1Ecolab announced fourth quarter and full-year 2006 financial results on February 12, 2007.
  • 2The company is providing context on a $0.01 per share charge from Q4 2005 related to foreign earnings repatriation.
  • 3This charge was a one-time event associated with the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.
  • 4Ecolab's management believes clarifying this charge aids investor comparability of financial results.
  • 5The news release containing these details is attached as an exhibit to the 8-K filing.
  • 6The news release will also be available on Ecolab's corporate website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to report Ecolab's financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2006, and to provide additional context regarding a non-recurring charge from a prior period to aid investor analysis.

Ecolab is clarifying a $0.01 per share charge that was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2005. This charge stemmed from the repatriation of foreign earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

Ecolab's management believes that by isolating and disclosing the impact of this one-time, non-recurring charge, investors will have an easier time comparing Ecolab's current period operating results with prior periods, leading to a more accurate assessment of ongoing business performance.

The detailed news release containing the financial results and the explanation of the charge is attached as Exhibit (99) to this 8-K filing and is also available on Ecolab's website at www.ecolab.com.