10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2001

Filed May 11, 2001For Securities:TMO

Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) reported its first quarter 2001 results, showing a net loss of $45.2 million, or $(0.24) per diluted share, compared to a net income of $3.6 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. This significant shift is largely attributed to a substantial $66.0 million after-tax charge related to the decline in market value of Thoratec Corporation stock, received as part of the sale of Thermo Cardiosystems, which is classified under discontinued operations. Excluding this and other unusual items, the company's ongoing operations showed improved performance, with income from continuing operations increasing to $21.8 million from $14.5 million year-over-year, and segment income, excluding these items, growing to $61.5 million from $58.9 million. The company's revenues from continuing operations slightly decreased by $3.5 million to $573.1 million. However, on a constant currency and excluding acquisitions/divestitures basis, revenues grew by a robust 14%. Life Sciences and Optical Technologies segments showed notable revenue growth, while Measurement and Control experienced a decrease primarily due to divestitures. Management is undertaking restructuring initiatives across various business units to reduce costs and streamline operations, which impacted the current quarter's results but is expected to lead to greater efficiency moving forward. The company also has a strong liquidity position, with approximately $1.09 billion in cash and short-term investments.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net loss of $45.2 million ($0.24/share) in Q1 2001, a significant decline from a net income of $3.6 million ($0.02/share) in Q1 2000, primarily due to a $66.0 million after-tax charge on discontinued operations.
  • 2Income from continuing operations increased to $21.8 million ($0.12/share) in Q1 2001, up from $14.5 million ($0.09/share) in Q1 2000.
  • 3Total revenues from continuing operations slightly decreased by 0.6% to $573.1 million, but excluding acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency translation, revenues grew by 14%.
  • 4Life Sciences segment revenues increased by 9.6% to $209.1 million, driven by strong sales in mass spectrometers and sample-preparation equipment.
  • 5Optical Technologies segment revenues saw a substantial 23.4% increase to $140.0 million, benefiting from demand for semiconductor lasers and photonics products.
  • 6Measurement and Control segment revenues decreased by 19.5% to $228.3 million, mainly due to divestitures of certain businesses.
  • 7The company recorded significant restructuring and other unusual costs totaling $12.9 million in the quarter, impacting profitability but aimed at cost reduction and operational streamlining.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the significant net loss of $45.2 million in the first quarter of 2001, compared to a net income of $3.6 million in the prior year, was a substantial $66.0 million after-tax charge related to the decline in the market value of Thoratec Corporation stock. This stock was received as part of the sale of Thermo Cardiosystems and is classified under discontinued operations.

Excluding the impact of discontinued operations and various restructuring and other unusual costs, the company's continuing operations showed positive momentum. Income from continuing operations increased to $21.8 million in the first quarter of 2001 from $14.5 million in the same period of 2000. Segment income, when adjusted for these unusual items, also improved.

The Life Sciences segment reported a revenue increase of 9.6% to $209.1 million, driven by strong sales of mass spectrometers and sample-preparation equipment. The Optical Technologies segment experienced even stronger growth, with revenues up 23.4% to $140.0 million, fueled by demand for semiconductor lasers and photonics products.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is undergoing a significant restructuring initiative across several business units. This involves headcount reductions, discontinuing less profitable product lines, and consolidating facilities to streamline operations and reduce costs. These restructuring efforts resulted in charges of $12.9 million in the current quarter but are expected to lead to improved efficiency in the future.