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

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce and provide SLB's Third-Quarter 2010 financial results, which are detailed in an accompanying press release and supplemental information.

Are the financial results presented in this filing considered 'filed' with the SEC for purposes of future incorporation into other filings?

No, the information in this filing, including the press release and supplemental data, is furnished under General Instructions B.2. of Form 8-K. This means it is not deemed 'filed' for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or automatically incorporated by reference into other SEC filings, unless specifically referenced in such filings.

What are some of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this report?

The report mentions several non-GAAP measures, including Net Debt (defined as gross debt less cash and certain investments), and adjusted figures for Net income, diluted earnings per share, pretax return on sales, after-tax return on sales, and effective tax rate, all excluding specific charges and credits. Management uses these to better assess operational performance and trends.

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

Investors should consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, the company's GAAP financial measures. They are intended to provide additional insights into the company's operations and financial condition.

SLB 8-K: Earnings & Results & Regulation FD

Summary

SLB LIMITED/NV (SLB) filed a Form 8-K on October 22, 2010, to report its Third-Quarter 2010 financial results. The filing primarily serves to furnish a press release and supplemental information detailing the company's performance for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Investors should note that the information provided, while containing GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures, is furnished and not deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, meaning it doesn't automatically become incorporated into future SEC filings unless explicitly referenced. The report highlights the use of non-GAAP financial measures, such as Net Debt and various "excluding charges and credits" metrics for income and earnings per share. Management believes these non-GAAP measures offer valuable insights into operational trends and underlying performance by excluding certain items that can mask period-over-period comparisons. Investors are advised to consider these non-GAAP figures alongside, and not as a substitute for, the GAAP measures presented in the company's financial statements.

Key Highlights

1SLB announced its Third-Quarter 2010 financial results via a furnished press release and supplemental information.
2The filing includes both Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP financial measures.
3Key non-GAAP measures discussed include Net Debt, Net income/EPS excluding charges and credits, and pretax/after-tax return on sales excluding charges and credits.
4Management utilizes these non-GAAP measures to provide a clearer view of operational performance and trends over time.
5The provided information is furnished under General Instructions B.2. of Form 8-K and is not considered 'filed' under Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
6Investors are cautioned to interpret non-GAAP measures in conjunction with, not as replacements for, GAAP financial metrics.

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

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions