01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed February 12, 2009. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) filed this 8-K on February 12, 2009, to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2008 financial results.
The report primarily serves to announce the earnings release and highlight the company's use of non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings per share. Management believes this non-GAAP measure, which excludes special gains, charges, and discrete tax items, provides a clearer view of underlying business performance by removing the impact of non-recurring items. While the 8-K itself does not contain the detailed financial figures, it directs investors to an attached news release for comprehensive results.
The emphasis on pro forma earnings suggests Ecolab's strategy to present a consistent and comparable operational picture to investors, particularly in the context of potential economic uncertainties prevalent at the time. Investors should review the referenced news release for specific performance metrics, revenue figures, and forward-looking statements.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Ecolab Inc. announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2008 financial results via an 8-K filing on February 12, 2009.
- The primary purpose of the filing is to report the earnings release and its contents.
- The company is reporting non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings per share.
- These pro forma earnings exclude special gains, charges, and discrete tax items.
- Ecolab's management believes this non-GAAP measure aids investors in understanding underlying business performance by removing non-recurring items.
- The detailed earnings release is provided as an exhibit and is incorporated by reference.
- The news release will also be available on Ecolab's corporate website.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?
The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce Ecolab Inc.'s earnings for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008, and to provide investors with access to the associated news release containing the financial results.
What is a 'non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings per share' and why is Ecolab using it?
Non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings per share are earnings figures that exclude certain items, such as special gains, charges, and discrete tax items, which are typically non-recurring. Ecolab's management believes this measure helps investors better understand the company's underlying business performance and facilitates comparisons between current and prior periods by removing the impact of these unusual items.
Where can I find the detailed financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2008?
The detailed financial results are provided in the News Release dated February 12, 2009, which is attached as Exhibit (99) to this 8-K filing and incorporated by reference. Ecolab also publishes this release on its website at www.ecolab.com.
Does this 8-K contain specific financial numbers like revenue or net income?
No, the 8-K filing itself does not contain the specific financial numbers. It serves as a notification of the earnings release and directs investors to the attached news release (Exhibit 99) for those details.
04—Continue