10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2007

Filed August 9, 2007For Securities:TMO

Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. reported a substantial increase in revenues and net income for the second quarter and first six months of 2007, primarily driven by the significant merger with Fisher Scientific International Inc. and other strategic acquisitions. Total revenues for the quarter reached $2.39 billion, up from $713.5 million in the prior year period, while net income rose to $163.9 million from $47.9 million. The company continues to integrate its acquisitions and re-align its business segments into Analytical Technologies and Laboratory Products and Services. Despite increased operating expenses, including significant amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, the company's operating income saw a considerable rise. Management highlighted strong growth in Asia and Europe, alongside increased demand and positive currency translation effects. The company also provided an updated full-year tax rate expectation and discussed ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at realizing synergies and improving efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues significantly increased to $2.39 billion for Q2 2007, primarily due to the merger with Fisher Scientific and other acquisitions.
  • 2Net income for Q2 2007 surged to $163.9 million, compared to $47.9 million in the prior year period.
  • 3The company has reorganized into two main segments: Analytical Technologies and Laboratory Products and Services.
  • 4Operating income more than tripled to $243 million in Q2 2007, despite higher amortization expenses related to acquisitions.
  • 5The effective tax rate decreased to 15.5% in Q2 2007 from 28.9% in Q2 2006, driven by geographic profit shifts and tax credits.
  • 6Cash flow from operations showed a significant increase, rising to $554 million for the first six months of 2007 from $98 million in the comparable period of 2006.
  • 7The company authorized an additional $700 million for stock repurchases in August 2007, indicating confidence in its financial position and future outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the substantial revenue increase in the second quarter of 2007 was the merger with Fisher Scientific International Inc., completed in November 2006, along with other strategic acquisitions made during the period. Organic growth and favorable currency translation also contributed.

The merger with Fisher Scientific led to increased operating expenses, most notably a significant rise in amortization expense due to acquisition-related intangible assets. There were also charges related to the sale of inventories revalued at the date of the merger. Interest expense also increased due to debt assumed in the merger.

The company reported a lower effective tax rate in Q2 2007 compared to Q2 2006 and expects its tax rate for the full year to be approximately 16%. This decrease is attributed to changes in the geographic distribution of profits, research cost credits, and growth in lower tax regions. The company anticipates a one-time reduction in its income tax provision in Q3 2007 due to anticipated tax legislation changes in the UK and Germany.

The company's liquidity and capital resources appear strong, with significant cash and investments, and available borrowing capacity. In addition to ongoing operational needs and capital expenditures, the company's Board of Directors authorized substantial stock repurchases, including an additional $700 million in August 2007, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.