WALTHAM, Mass.--(
BUSINESS WIRE
)--Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 29, 2024.
Second Quarter 2024 Highlights
Second quarter revenue was $10.54 billion.
Second quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 15% to $4.04.
Second quarter adjusted EPS increased 4% to $5.37.
Advanced our proven growth strategy, launching a range of high-impact, innovative new products during the quarter. This included a number of analytical instruments introduced at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry conference, including the
Thermo Scientific™ Stellar™ mass spectrometer
, which validates proteins of clinical interest discovered through our groundbreaking
Thermo Scientific Orbitrap™ Astral™ mass spectrometer
; and three new built-for-purpose
editions of the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid™ mass spectrometer
tailored to MultiOmics, Structural Biology and BioPharma applications. To help our customers meet their sustainability goals, we also launched:
a first-of-its-kind biobased film
for our bioprocessing containers, which uses plant-based materials to deliver lower-carbon solutions in the manufacturing of therapies; and a new line of
ENERGY STAR-certified Thermo Scientific™ TSX™ Universal Series ULT Freezers
, which deliver industry-leading performance and energy efficiency.
Continued to strengthen our industry-leading commercial engine and deepen our trusted partner status with customers to accelerate their innovation and enhance their productivity. In the quarter, we expanded our leading clinical trial supply services with a
new ultra-cold facility in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands
and a
new state-of-the-art innovation lab at our site in Center Valley, Pennsylvania
, to enable our pharmaceutical and biotech customers to accelerate the development of therapies and medicines. Also in the quarter, to support Indonesia’s growing investments in healthcare, scientific research, and renewable energy, we expanded our presence and capabilities in the country, further demonstrating our relevance to customers around the world.
Shortly after the quarter ended, we
completed our acquisition of Olink
, a provider of differentiated next-generation proteomic solutions. The addition of Olink’s technology extends our capabilities and further advances our leadership position in protein research, enabling our customers to meaningfully accelerate discovery and scientific breakthroughs while delivering on the promise of precision medicine.
“Our excellent execution enabled us to deliver another quarter of strong financial performance and share gain,” said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We continue to see the benefit of our proven growth strategy and the impact of our PPI Business System in our performance. Shortly after the quarter ended, we were also pleased to welcome our Olink colleagues to Thermo Fisher and are excited about the power of this new combination to better serve our customers and advance science.”
Casper added, “We have made very good progress through the halfway point of the year and are in a great position to deliver differentiated performance in 2024. We’ve further extended our industry leadership and positioned our company for an even brighter future.”
Second Quarter 2024
Revenue for the quarter declined 1% to $10.54 billion in 2024, versus $10.69 billion in 2023. Organic revenue was 1% lower and Core organic revenue growth was flat.
GAAP Earnings Results
GAAP diluted EPS in the second quarter of 2024 increased 15% to $4.04, versus $3.51 in the same quarter last year. GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2024 grew to $1.82 billion, compared with $1.58 billion in the year-ago quarter. GAAP operating margin increased to 17.3%, compared with 14.8% in the second quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP Earnings Results
Adjusted EPS in the second quarter of 2024 increased 4% to $5.37, versus $5.15 in the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted operating income for the second quarter of 2024 was $2.35 billion, compared with $2.37 billion in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating margin increased to 22.3%, compared with 22.2% in the second quarter of 2023.
Annual Guidance for 2024
Thermo Fisher is raising its full-year revenue and adjusted EPS guidance. The company is raising its revenue guidance to a new range of $42.4 to $43.3 billion versus its previous guidance of $42.3 to $43.3 billion. The company is raising its adjusted EPS guidance to a new range of $21.29 to $22.07 versus its previous guidance of $21.14 to $22.02.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EPS, adjusted net income, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, free cash flow, organic revenue growth and Core organic revenue growth are non-GAAP measures that exclude certain items detailed after the tables that accompany this press release, under the heading “Supplemental Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” The reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the tables that accompany this press release.
Note on Presentation
Certain amounts and percentages reported within this press release are presented and calculated based on underlying unrounded amounts. As a result, the sum of components may not equal corresponding totals due to rounding.
Conference Call
Thermo Fisher Scientific will hold its earnings conference call today, July 24, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. During the call, the company will discuss its financial performance, as well as future expectations. To listen, call (833) 470-1428 within the U.S. or (404) 975-4839 outside the U.S. The access code is 023107. You may also listen to the call live on the “Investors” section of our website,
www.thermofisher.com
. The earnings press release and related information can also be found in that section of our website under the heading “Financials”. A replay of the call will be available under “News, Events & Presentations” through Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit
www.thermofisher.com
.
Safe Harbor Statement
The following constitutes a “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties relating to: the COVID-19 pandemic; the need to develop new products and adapt to significant technological change; implementation of strategies for improving growth; general economic conditions and related uncertainties; dependence on customers' capital spending policies and government funding policies; the effect of economic and political conditions and exchange rate fluctuations on international operations; use and protection of intellectual property; the effect of changes in governmental regulations; any natural disaster, public health crisis or other catastrophic event; and the effect of laws and regulations governing government contracts, as well as the possibility that expected benefits related to recent or pending acquisitions, may not materialize as expected. Additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are set forth in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which are on file with the SEC and available in the “Investors” section of our website under the heading “SEC Filings.” While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if estimates change and, therefore, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to today.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
Three months ended
June 29,
% of
July 1,
% of
(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)
2024
Revenues
2023
Revenues
Revenues
$
10,541
$
10,687
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues (a)
6,106
57.9
%
6,323
59.2
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses (b)
1,687
16.0
%
1,673
15.7
%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
513
4.9
%
585
5.4
%
Research and development expenses
339
3.2
%
345
3.2
%
Restructuring and other costs (c)
77
0.7
%
183
1.7
%
Total costs and operating expenses
8,722
82.7
%
9,109
85.2
%
Operating income
1,820
17.3
%
1,578
14.8
%
Interest income
295
178
Interest expense
(354
)
(326
)
Other income/(expense) (d)
5
—
Income before income taxes
1,765
1,430
Provision for income taxes (e)
(128
)
(52
)
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated entities
(84
)
(16
)
Net income
1,553
1,362
Less: net income/(losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interest
6
1
Net income attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$
1,548
14.7
%
$
1,361
12.7
%
Earnings per share attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.:
Basic
$
4.05
$
3.53
Diluted
$
4.04
$
3.51
Weighted average shares:
Basic
382
386
Diluted
383
388
Reconciliation of adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin
GAAP operating income
$
1,820
17.3
%
$
1,578
14.8
%
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
1
0.0
%
18
0.2
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
(64
)
-0.6
%
6
0.1
%
Restructuring and other costs (c)
77
0.7
%
183
1.7
%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
513
4.9
%
585
5.4
%
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP measure)
$
2,347
22.3
%
$
2,370
22.2
%
Reconciliation of adjusted net income
GAAP net income attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$
1,548
$
1,361
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
1
18
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
(64
)
6
Restructuring and other costs (c)
77
183
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
513
585
Other income/expense adjustments (d)
—
(1
)
Provision for income taxes adjustments (e)
(102
)
(171
)
Equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated entities
84
16
Noncontrolling interests adjustments (f)
(1
)
—
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP measure)
$
2,057
$
1,997
Reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share
GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$
4.04
$
3.51
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
0.00
0.05
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
(0.17
)
0.01
Restructuring and other costs (c)
0.20
0.47
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
1.34
1.51
Other income/expense adjustments (d)
0.00
0.00
Provision for income taxes adjustments (e)
(0.26
)
(0.44
)
Equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated entities
0.22
0.04
Noncontrolling interests adjustments (f)
0.00
0.00
Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP measure)
$
5.37
$
5.15
Reconciliation of free cash flow
GAAP net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,960
$
1,540
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(301
)
(284
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
15
4
Free cash flow (non-GAAP measure)
$
1,674
$
1,260
Business Segment Information
Three months ended
June 29,
% of
July 1,
% of
(Dollars in millions)
2024
Revenues
2023
Revenues
Revenues
Life Sciences Solutions
$
2,355
22.3
%
$
2,463
23.0
%
Analytical Instruments
1,782
16.9
%
1,749
16.4
%
Specialty Diagnostics
1,117
10.6
%
1,109
10.4
%
Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services
5,758
54.6
%
5,831
54.6
%
Eliminations
(470
)
-4.5
%
(465
)
-4.4
%
Consolidated revenues
$
10,541
100.0
%
$
10,687
100.0
%
Segment income and segment income margin
Life Sciences Solutions
$
865
36.7
%
$
817
33.2
%
Analytical Instruments
439
24.6
%
432
24.7
%
Specialty Diagnostics
299
26.7
%
297
26.7
%
Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services
745
12.9
%
824
14.1
%
Subtotal reportable segments
2,347
22.3
%
2,370
22.2
%
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
(1
)
0.0
%
(18
)
-0.2
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
64
0.6
%
(6
)
-0.1
%
Restructuring and other costs (c)
(77
)
-0.7
%
(183
)
-1.7
%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
(513
)
-4.9
%
(585
)
-5.4
%
Consolidated GAAP operating income
$
1,820
17.3
%
$
1,578
14.8
%
(a) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude charges for inventory write-downs associated with large-scale abandonment of product lines. Adjusted results in 2023 exclude $11 of charges for the sale of inventory revalued at the date of acquisition and $5 of accelerated depreciation on manufacturing assets to be abandoned due to facility consolidations.
(b) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude certain third-party expenses, principally transaction/integration costs related to recent acquisitions, and charges/credits for changes in estimates of contingent acquisition consideration.
(c) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude restructuring and other costs consisting principally of severance, impairments of long-lived assets, net charges for pre-acquisition litigation and other matters, and abandoned facility and other expenses of headcount reductions and real estate consolidations. Adjusted results in 2023 also exclude $26 of contract termination costs associated with facility closures.
(d) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude net gains/losses on investments.
(e) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude incremental tax impacts for the reconciling items between GAAP and adjusted net income, incremental tax impacts as a result of tax rate/law changes, and the tax impacts from audit settlements.
(f) Adjusted results exclude the incremental impacts for the reconciling items between GAAP and adjusted net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Note:
Consolidated depreciation expense is $276 and $270 in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Organic and Core organic revenue growth
Three months ended
June 29, 2024
Revenue growth
-1 %
Acquisitions
0 %
Currency translation
-1 %
Organic revenue growth (non-GAAP measure)
-1 %
COVID-19 testing revenue
-1 %
Core organic revenue growth (non-GAAP measure)
0 %
Note:
For more information related to non-GAAP financial measures, refer to the section titled “Supplemental Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this release.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
Six months ended
June 29,
% of
July 1,
% of
(Dollars in millions except per share amounts)
2024
Revenues
2023
Revenues
Revenues
$
20,886
$
21,397
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues (a)
12,146
58.2
%
12,760
59.6
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses (b)
3,417
16.4
%
3,319
15.5
%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
1,065
5.1
%
1,191
5.5
%
Research and development expenses
670
3.2
%
691
3.2
%
Restructuring and other costs (c)
106
0.5
%
295
1.4
%
Total costs and operating expenses
17,404
83.3
%
18,256
85.3
%
Operating income
3,483
16.7
%
3,141
14.7
%
Interest income
574
324
Interest expense
(717
)
(626
)
Other income/(expense) (d)
14
(46
)
Income before income taxes
3,354
2,793
Provision for income taxes (e)
(408
)
(98
)
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated entities
(61
)
(41
)
Net income
2,885
2,654
Less: net income/(losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interest
9
4
Net income attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$
2,875
13.8
%
$
2,650
12.4
%
Earnings per share attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.:
Basic
$
7.53
$
6.86
Diluted
$
7.50
$
6.83
Weighted average shares:
Basic
382
386
Diluted
383
388
Reconciliation of adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin
GAAP operating income
$
3,483
16.7
%
$
3,141
14.7
%
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
17
0.1
%
59
0.3
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
(45
)
-0.2
%
14
0.1
%
Restructuring and other costs (c)
106
0.5
%
295
1.4
%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
1,065
5.1
%
1,191
5.5
%
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP measure)
$
4,625
22.1
%
$
4,700
22.0
%
Reconciliation of adjusted net income
GAAP net income attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$
2,875
$
2,650
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
17
59
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
(45
)
14
Restructuring and other costs (c)
106
295
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
1,065
1,191
Other income/expense adjustments (d)
(11
)
45
Provision for income taxes adjustments (e)
(51
)
(342
)
Equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated entities
61
41
Noncontrolling interests adjustments (f)
(1
)
—
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP measure)
$
4,016
$
3,953
Reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share
GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$
7.50
$
6.83
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
0.04
0.15
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
(0.12
)
0.03
Restructuring and other costs (c)
0.28
0.76
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
2.78
3.07
Other income/expense adjustments (d)
(0.03
)
0.11
Provision for income taxes adjustments (e)
(0.13
)
(0.88
)
Equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated entities
0.16
0.11
Noncontrolling interests adjustments (f)
0.00
0.00
Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP measure)
$
10.47
$
10.18
Reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow
GAAP net cash provided by operating activities
$
3,211
$
2,269
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(648
)
(742
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
20
10
Free cash flow (non-GAAP measure)
$
2,583
$
1,537
Business Segment Information
Six months ended
June 29,
% of
July 1,
% of
(Dollars in millions)
2024
Revenues
2023
Revenues
Revenues
Life Sciences Solutions
$
4,640
22.2
%
$
5,075
23.7
%
Analytical Instruments
3,469
16.6
%
3,472
16.2
%
Specialty Diagnostics
2,227
10.7
%
2,217
10.4
%
Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services
11,480
55.0
%
11,594
54.2
%
Eliminations
(930
)
-4.5
%
(961
)
-4.5
%
Consolidated revenues
$
20,886
100.0
%
$
21,397
100.0
%
Segment income and segment income margin
Life Sciences Solutions
$
1,705
36.7
%
$
1,653
32.6
%
Analytical Instruments
838
24.2
%
853
24.6
%
Specialty Diagnostics
593
26.6
%
577
26.0
%
Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services
1,489
13.0
%
1,617
14.0
%
Subtotal reportable segments
4,625
22.1
%
4,700
22.0
%
Cost of revenues adjustments (a)
(17
)
-0.1
%
(59
)
-0.3
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses adjustments (b)
45
0.2
%
(14
)
-0.1
%
Restructuring and other costs (c)
(106
)
-0.5
%
(295
)
-1.4
%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
(1,065
)
-5.1
%
(1,191
)
-5.5
%
Consolidated GAAP operating income
$
3,483
16.7
%
$
3,141
14.7
%
(a) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude charges for inventory write-downs associated with large-scale abandonment of product lines and accelerated depreciation on manufacturing assets to be abandoned due to facility consolidations. Adjusted results in 2023 exclude $21 of charges for the sale of inventory revalued at the date of acquisition.
(b) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude certain third-party expenses, principally transaction/integration costs related to recent acquisitions, and charges/credits for changes in estimates of contingent acquisition consideration.
(c) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude restructuring and other costs consisting principally of severance, impairments of long-lived assets, net charges for pre-acquisition litigation and other matters, and abandoned facility and other expenses of headcount reductions and real estate consolidations. Adjusted results in 2023 also exclude $26 of contract termination costs associated with facility closures.
(d) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude net gains/losses on investments.
(e) Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude incremental tax impacts for the reconciling items between GAAP and adjusted net income, incremental tax impacts as a result of tax rate/law changes and the tax impacts from audit settlements.
(f) Adjusted results exclude the incremental impacts for the reconciling items between GAAP and adjusted net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Notes:
Consolidated depreciation expense is $562 and $523 in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
For more information related to non-GAAP financial measures, refer to the section titled “Supplemental Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this release.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
June 29,
December 31,
(In millions)
2024
2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
7,073
$
8,077
Short-term investments
1,750
3
Accounts receivable, net
7,943
8,221
Inventories
5,198
5,088
Other current assets
3,512
3,200
Total current assets
25,476
24,589
Property, plant and equipment, net
9,282
9,448
Acquisition-related intangible assets, net
15,519
16,670
Other assets
4,377
3,999
Goodwill
43,843
44,020
Total assets
$
98,496
$
98,726
Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity
Current liabilities:
Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations
$
5,121
$
3,609
Other current liabilities
9,651
10,403
Total current liabilities
14,772
14,012
Other long-term liabilities
5,907
6,564
Long-term obligations
30,284
31,308
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
115
118
Total equity
47,419
46,724
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity
$
98,496
$
98,726
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Six months ended
June 29,
July 1,
(In millions)
2024
2023
Operating activities
Net income
$
2,885
$
2,654
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
1,626
1,714
Change in deferred income taxes
(607
)
(328
)
Other non-cash expenses, net
311
480
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions
(1,003
)
(2,251
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,211
2,269
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(648
)
(742
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
20
10
Proceeds from cross-currency interest rate swap interest settlements
111
35
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
—
(2,751
)
Purchases of investments
(1,778
)
(188
)
Other investing activities, net
12
51
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,283
)
(3,585
)
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of debt
1,204
—
Repayment of debt
—
(1,000
)
Net proceeds from issuance of commercial paper
—
1,620
Repayment of commercial paper
—
(1,441
)
Purchases of company common stock
(3,000
)
(3,000
)
Dividends paid
(284
)
(252
)
Other financing activities, net
145
24
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,936
)
(4,049
)
Exchange rate effect on cash
7
(19
)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1,000
)
(5,384
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
8,097
8,537
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
7,097
$
3,153
Free cash flow (non-GAAP measure)
$
2,583
$
1,537
Note:
For more information related to non-GAAP financial measures, refer to the section titled “Supplemental Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this release.
Supplemental Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures such as organic revenue growth, which is reported revenue growth, excluding the impacts of acquisitions/divestitures and the effects of currency translation. We also report Core organic revenue growth, which is reported revenue growth, excluding the impacts of COVID-19 testing revenue, and excluding the impacts of acquisitions/divestitures and the effects of currency translation. We report these measures because Thermo Fisher management believes that in order to understand the company’s short-term and long-term financial trends, investors may wish to consider the impact of acquisitions/divestitures, foreign currency translation and/or COVID-19 testing on revenues. Thermo Fisher management uses these measures to forecast and evaluate the operational performance of the company as well as to compare revenues of current periods to prior periods.
We report adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, and adjusted EPS. We believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures, helps investors to gain a better understanding of our core operating results and future prospects, consistent with how management measures and forecasts the company’s core operating performance, especially when comparing such results to previous periods, forecasts, and to the performance of our competitors. Such measures are also used by management in their financial and operating decision-making and for compensation purposes. To calculate these measures we exclude, as applicable:
Certain acquisition-related costs, including charges for the sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition, significant transaction/acquisition-related costs, including changes in estimates of contingent acquisition-related consideration, and other costs associated with obtaining short-term financing commitments for pending/recent acquisitions. We exclude these costs because we do not believe they are indicative of our normal operating costs.
Costs/income associated with restructuring activities and large-scale abandonments of product lines, such as reducing overhead and consolidating facilities. We exclude these costs because we believe that the costs related to restructuring activities are not indicative of our normal operating costs.
Equity in earnings/losses of unconsolidated entities; impairments of long-lived assets; and certain other gains and losses that are either isolated or cannot be expected to occur again with any predictability, including gains/losses on investments, the sale of businesses, product lines, and real estate, significant litigation-related matters, curtailments/settlements of pension plans, and the early retirement of debt. We exclude these items because they are outside of our normal operations and/or, in certain cases, are difficult to forecast accurately for future periods.
The expense associated with the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets because a significant portion of the purchase price for acquisitions may be allocated to intangible assets that have lives of up to 20 years. Exclusion of the amortization expense allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent over time for both our newly acquired and long-held businesses and with both acquisitive and non-acquisitive peer companies.
The noncontrolling interest and tax impacts of the above items and the impact of significant tax audits or events (such as changes in deferred taxes from enacted tax rate/law changes), the latter of which we exclude because they are outside of our normal operations and difficult to forecast accurately for future periods.
We report free cash flow, which is operating cash flow excluding net capital expenditures, to provide a view of the continuing operations’ ability to generate cash for use in acquisitions and other investing and financing activities. The company also uses this measure as an indication of the strength of the company. Free cash flow is not a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures since we have certain non-discretionary obligations such as debt service that are not deducted from the measure.
Thermo Fisher Scientific does not provide GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis because we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort items such as the timing and amount of future restructuring actions and acquisition-related charges as well as gains or losses from sales of real estate and businesses, the early retirement of debt and the outcome of legal proceedings. The timing and amount of these items are uncertain and could be material to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s results computed in accordance with GAAP.
The non-GAAP financial measures of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s results of operations and cash flows included in this press release are not meant to be considered superior to or a substitute for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s results of operations prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are set forth in the tables above.