What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to formally report and furnish SLB's Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2009 financial results, which were simultaneously released to the public via press release and supplemental information.

What are the key non-GAAP financial measures mentioned in the filing?

The key non-GAAP measures highlighted are 'Net Debt', defined as gross debt less cash and fixed income investments held to maturity, and 'Income from continuing operations attributable to Schlumberger, excluding charges' along with 'diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, excluding charges'.

Why does SLB use these non-GAAP financial measures?

SLB's management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information that enhances the understanding of the company's financial performance and condition. Specifically, Net Debt offers insight into the company's indebtedness, while excluding charges helps in evaluating operations and identifying trends over periods that might otherwise be obscured by specific charges.

How should investors interpret the non-GAAP financial measures presented?

Investors should consider these non-GAAP financial measures as supplementary information. They should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as total debt and cash flows, which are more fully discussed in SLB's financial statements and other SEC filings.

SLB 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

SLB LIMITED/NV (SLB) filed an 8-K on January 22, 2010, to report its Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2009 financial results. The report primarily serves to furnish the press release and supplemental information containing these results, which were posted on the company's investor relations website on the same date. Investors should note that the filing includes both GAAP-compliant figures and specific non-GAAP financial measures that management believes offer a clearer view of operational performance and financial leverage. Key non-GAAP measures highlighted include Net Debt (defined as gross debt less cash and certain investments) and Income/Diluted EPS from continuing operations, excluding specific charges. Management uses these metrics to better assess operational trends and the company's indebtedness. Investors are reminded that these non-GAAP measures should be considered alongside, not as a replacement for, standard GAAP financial metrics and are detailed further in SLB's SEC filings.

Key Highlights

1SLB announced its Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2009 financial results on January 22, 2010.
2The results were released via a press release (Exhibit 99.1) and supplemental information (Exhibit 99.2), both furnished with the 8-K filing.
3These documents are available on SLB's investor relations website.
4The filing details specific non-GAAP financial measures used by management.
5Key non-GAAP metrics include 'Net Debt' (gross debt minus cash and certain investments) and 'Income/EPS from continuing operations, excluding charges'.
6Management believes these non-GAAP measures provide enhanced insight into operational performance and indebtedness.
7Investors are advised to consider these non-GAAP measures in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, GAAP financial results.

SLB LIMITED/NV 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 22, 2010)

Summary

Key Highlights

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