8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

ECOLAB INC. 8-K Report, Financial Results (Apr 24, 2008)

Filed April 24, 2008For Securities:ECL

Summary

Ecolab Inc. (ECL) filed an 8-K on April 24, 2008, to report its first quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2008. The filing primarily incorporates a press release detailing the company's performance and highlighting specific adjustments to its reported diluted earnings per share. Management believes these disclosures are valuable for investors as they allow for a clearer comparison of ongoing operational performance by isolating the impact of discrete tax benefits and special gains and charges that occurred during the quarter. While the 8-K itself does not contain the detailed financial figures, it directs investors to the press release (Exhibit 99) for a comprehensive understanding of the results. The emphasis on providing adjusted earnings information suggests a focus on presenting the core, recurring operational strength of Ecolab to the investment community, which is a common practice to offer a more stable view of financial health.

Key Highlights

  • 1Ecolab Inc. (ECL) reported its first quarter 2008 financial results on April 24, 2008.
  • 2The 8-K filing incorporates a press release (Exhibit 99) containing the detailed earnings announcement.
  • 3The company is providing specific disclosure on discrete tax benefits and special gains/charges affecting reported diluted EPS.
  • 4Management believes these adjustments are useful for investors to compare current and prior period operating results.
  • 5The goal of these disclosures is to eliminate the effect of non-recurring charges for better comparability.
  • 6The press release will also be available on Ecolab's corporate website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly announce and provide access to Ecolab's first quarter 2008 earnings results, as detailed in the accompanying press release.

The actual financial results and detailed figures are located within the press release attached as Exhibit 99 to this 8-K filing. This press release is also available on Ecolab's website.

Ecolab's management is highlighting these items to provide investors with a clearer view of the company's core operational performance by excluding the impact of non-recurring or unusual items. This allows for a more meaningful comparison of ongoing business results over different periods.

No, this filing does not indicate a restatement of previous financial results. Instead, it provides supplemental information on specific items impacting current quarter earnings per share for better comparability.