8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. 8-K Report, Corporate Update (May 3, 2013)

Filed May 3, 2013For Securities:TMO

Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) has filed an 8-K report to disclose a change in its business segment reporting. Effective February 2013, the company has transferred its water analysis and research serum media product lines from the Analytical Technologies segment to the Laboratory Products and Services segment. This reclassification aligns these product lines with a revised strategic focus. Importantly, this change is purely a reporting adjustment and does not impact the company's previously reported net income or earnings per share. The updated segment information is reflected in the company's first quarter 2013 Form 10-Q. Investors should note that the provided Exhibit 99.1 updates the 2012 Form 10-K segment disclosures but does not otherwise amend or update the financial information presented in that prior filing, and should be read in conjunction with subsequent SEC filings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reclassification of two product lines (water analysis and research serum media) between business segments.
  • 2Product lines moved from Analytical Technologies to Laboratory Products and Services segment.
  • 3Reclassification reflects a change in management responsibility and strategic alignment.
  • 4No impact on historical reported net income or earnings per share.
  • 5Segment information updated for all periods presented in the Q1 2013 Form 10-Q.
  • 6Exhibit 99.1 updates 2012 Form 10-K segment disclosures, not financial results.
  • 7Report includes forward-looking statements and references risk factors in the Q1 2013 10-Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to inform investors about a change in how Thermo Fisher Scientific reports its business segments. Specifically, two product lines have been moved from one segment to another for reporting purposes.

This reclassification is a reporting change and has no effect on the company's historical reported net income or earnings per share. It is intended to better align the product lines with the strategic focus of the respective segments.

The water analysis and research serum media product lines were transferred from the Analytical Technologies segment to the Laboratory Products and Services segment.

Investors are generally advised that this is a structural reporting change rather than a change in operational performance. The company explicitly states that net income and EPS are not affected. However, investors should always consider such changes in the context of the company's overall strategy and performance, and review subsequent financial reports for operational impacts.