10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 30, 2002

Filed May 9, 2002For Securities:TMO

Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO), formerly Thermo Electron Corporation, reported its first quarter 2002 results, demonstrating a significant shift in financial performance compared to the prior year. While revenues declined year-over-year, the company achieved a substantial increase in net income, moving from a net loss of $45.2 million in Q1 2001 to a net income of $115.0 million in Q1 2002. This turnaround was largely driven by a substantial gain on the disposal of discontinued operations and a significant increase in other income, primarily from the sale of investments, which more than offset a decrease in revenue. Key operational changes include a strategic focus on restructuring and integration of business units, coupled with the adoption of new accounting standards such as SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization and positively impacted reported earnings. The company also undertook significant debt redemptions, utilizing a securities lending agreement to partially fund these activities. Investors should note the shift in revenue contribution across segments and the impact of divestitures, alongside the overall strategic repositioning aimed at improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • 1Achieved a strong net income of $115.0 million in Q1 2002, a significant improvement from a net loss of $45.2 million in Q1 2001.
  • 2Revenue for the first quarter of 2002 was $491.3 million, a decrease from $573.1 million in the prior year's quarter, indicating a revenue contraction.
  • 3Significant positive impact from 'Other Income (Expense), Net', which swung from a net expense of $3.7 million in Q1 2001 to a net income of $61.0 million in Q1 2002, largely due to investment gains.
  • 4The company realized a substantial gain of $51.4 million from the disposal of discontinued operations in Q1 2002, compared to a loss of $66.0 million in Q1 2001.
  • 5Adopted SFAS No. 142, ceasing goodwill amortization, which positively impacted operating income and earnings per share.
  • 6Undertook significant debt redemptions, including the redemption of subordinated convertible debentures totaling $456.3 million in Q1 2002.
  • 7Restructuring charges and other unusual costs were noted, particularly in the Optical Technologies segment, reflecting ongoing integration and market challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the significant net income improvement was a combination of a substantial gain from the disposal of discontinued operations ($51.4 million in Q1 2002 vs. a loss of $66.0 million in Q1 2001) and a large increase in 'Other Income (Expense), Net' (+$61.0 million in Q1 2002 vs. -$3.7 million in Q1 2001), mainly due to gains on the sale of investments. The cessation of goodwill amortization due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 also contributed positively to earnings.

The company's revenue declined in the first quarter of 2002. Revenues were $491.3 million, a decrease from $573.1 million in the first quarter of 2001. This decrease was attributed to lower sales in the Measurement and Control, and Optical Technologies segments, as well as unfavorable currency translation effects.

In the first quarter of 2002, the company redeemed all of its outstanding 4 1/4% and 4 5/8% subordinated convertible debentures due 2003 for approximately $456.3 million. To partially fund this redemption, the company increased short-term notes payable by $369.2 million and entered into a securities lending agreement.

The adoption of SFAS No. 142, 'Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets', effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2002, required the company to cease amortization of all goodwill. This resulted in the elimination of $10.0 million in goodwill amortization expense that was recognized in the first quarter of 2001, positively impacting operating income and earnings per share in the current period.