10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2007

Filed May 4, 2007For Securities:TMO

Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. reported its first quarter 2007 results, showcasing significant revenue growth driven by the recent merger with Fisher Scientific International Inc. The company's revenue surged to $2.34 billion from $684.3 million in the prior year's quarter, largely due to the combined entities. While operating income saw an increase, the operating income margin slightly decreased year-over-year, primarily impacted by merger-related charges and amortization expenses, but showed improvement when considering pro forma figures. Key financial developments include a substantial increase in net income and a positive cash flow from operations, indicating improved operational efficiency and integration success. The company also highlighted its strategic acquisition of smaller businesses to bolster its Analytical Technologies and Laboratory Products and Services segments. Investors should note the ongoing regulatory review of the GVI acquisition, which could potentially lead to divestitures, and the company's robust cash position and access to credit facilities to support ongoing operations and future growth initiatives.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue dramatically increased to $2.34 billion in Q1 2007 from $684.3 million in Q1 2006, largely due to the merger with Fisher Scientific.
  • 2Net income grew significantly to $138.9 million in Q1 2007, compared to $46.9 million in Q1 2006, with diluted EPS at $0.31.
  • 3Operating income increased to $192.4 million from $67.8 million, though operating margin decreased from 9.9% to 8.2%, primarily due to $114 million in amortization and $36 million in inventory revaluation charges related to the merger.
  • 4Cash flow from operations showed a strong increase, reaching $218.6 million in Q1 2007 compared to $31.9 million in Q1 2006, reflecting improved operational performance post-merger.
  • 5The company made several strategic acquisitions in Q1 2007, including Spectronex AG and Flux AG, to enhance its Analytical Technologies segment.
  • 6The UK Competition Commission is investigating the GVI acquisition, with provisional findings suggesting a substantial lessening of competition, potentially leading to divestment.
  • 7The company's effective tax rate decreased significantly to 16.2% in Q1 2007 from 31.9% in Q1 2006, attributed to favorable profit distribution and tax credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the substantial revenue increase to $2.34 billion in the first quarter of 2007, up from $684.3 million in the prior year, was the merger with Fisher Scientific International Inc., which closed in November 2006. This merger significantly expanded the company's scale and market reach.

While the merger led to a significant increase in operating income to $192.4 million, the operating income margin decreased from 9.9% in Q1 2006 to 8.2% in Q1 2007. This was primarily due to $114 million in higher amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and $36 million in charges for the sale of inventories revalued at the date of the merger. Excluding these merger-related impacts, the company's performance on a pro forma basis showed a stronger margin.

The UK Competition Commission is investigating Thermo Fisher Scientific's acquisition of GV Instruments Limited (GVI). Provisional findings, published in March 2007, suggest the acquisition may lead to a substantial lessening of competition in specific mass spectrometer markets in the UK. The company is cooperating with the investigation, and if the provisional decision is confirmed, it is likely that the company will be required to divest the GVI business.

The company reported a strong cash flow from operations of $218.6 million in Q1 2007, a significant increase from $31.9 million in Q1 2006, reflecting the combined entity's performance. Thermo Fisher Scientific has approximately $691 million in cash and short-term investments and has access to a $905 million revolving credit facility, indicating sufficient resources to meet working capital requirements and support ongoing operations.