Business Context and Reporting Period
Company: Ecolab Inc.
Filing Type: Form 8-K (Current Report)
Date of Report: April 24, 2008
Reporting Period: First quarter ended March 31, 2008
This filing announces the results of operations for the first quarter of 2008. The report incorporates by reference a news release issued on the same date, which is available on the company's website.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific numerical values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. These figures are contained within the attached news release (Exhibit 99) rather than the body of the 8-K form itself.
The filing specifically highlights the impact of certain discrete tax benefits and special gains and charges on comparative reported diluted earnings per share for the quarter.
Material Changes and Unusual Items
- Discrete Items: The first quarter of 2008 included discrete tax benefits and special gains and charges.
- Management Commentary: Management disclosed the impact of these items on diluted earnings per share to facilitate a clearer comparison of current and prior period operating results by eliminating the effect of non-recurring charges.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing text does not contain specific forward-looking guidance, outlook statements, or a detailed discussion of risks and contingencies. It serves primarily as a notification of the earnings announcement and the inclusion of the news release.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Review the attached news release (Exhibit 99) for specific revenue, earnings, and cash flow figures.
- Verify the magnitude of the discrete tax benefits and special gains/charges affecting diluted earnings per share.
- Compare the adjusted operating results (excluding non-recurring items) against the prior year's first quarter performance.
- Check the company website (www.ecolab.com) for the full text of the news release referenced in the filing.