8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jul 12, 2011)

Filed July 12, 2011For Securities:TMO

Summary

This 8-K filing from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) on July 12, 2011, primarily serves to update investors on the reclassification of the previously divested Athena Diagnostics and Lancaster Laboratories businesses as discontinued operations. This reclassification, stemming from sales made in April 2011, impacts how these businesses' financial results are presented in the company's historical reporting, specifically within the context of its 2010 Form 10-K. The company explicitly states that this reclassification has no impact on reported net income or earnings per share. Investors should note that this filing is supplementary to previously filed documents and does not represent an update to the company's overall financial condition or strategic outlook beyond the accounting treatment of the divested segments. The company directs investors to its subsequent filings for the most current information and emphasizes that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, which are detailed in its April 2, 2011 Form 10-Q.

Key Highlights

  • 1Thermo Fisher Scientific has reclassified its Athena Diagnostics and Lancaster Laboratories businesses as discontinued operations, following their sale in April 2011.
  • 2This reclassification impacts historical reporting, particularly within the company's 2010 Form 10-K filing.
  • 3The company states that the reclassification of these divested businesses has no effect on historical reported net income or earnings per share.
  • 4Exhibit 99.1 of the 8-K updates specific sections (Items 6, 7, and 8) of the 2010 Form 10-K to reflect the discontinued operations.
  • 5Investors are advised to read this filing in conjunction with subsequent SEC filings made after the 2010 Form 10-K for the most current information.
  • 6The filing includes a cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements and lists various risk factors that could materially affect actual results.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to inform investors that Thermo Fisher Scientific has reclassified the previously sold Athena Diagnostics and Lancaster Laboratories businesses as discontinued operations. This is an accounting adjustment to reflect the divestiture accurately in historical financial reporting.

No, the company explicitly states that the reclassification of the Divested Businesses as discontinued operations has no effect on Thermo Fisher Scientific's historical reported net income or earnings per share.

The filing advises investors to read Exhibit 99.1 in conjunction with the company's subsequent SEC filings made after the 2010 Form 10-K (filed February 24, 2011). These later filings will contain the most current financial information and strategic updates.

The filing refers to a list of risk factors detailed in the company's Form 10-Q filed on April 2, 2011. These include risks related to product development, technological change, economic conditions, customer spending, government funding, currency fluctuations, healthcare reform, intellectual property, regulatory changes, government contracts, and competition.