Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) CEO presents at BofA Securities 2023 Healthcare Conference Call (Transcript)

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to the year with core growth being good and a strong P&L despite a noisy economic environment [3][6] - The company expects 7% core growth for the year, which is considered ambitious compared to competitors [9][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmaceutical and biotech now represent approximately 20% of total sales, with expectations for core growth in this segment to moderate from last year's 14% to around 7% [11][12] - Bio production, which accounts for less than 10% of revenue, is expected to see moderated growth due to reduced COVID-related demand, but the company anticipates better growth in the second half of the year [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced low single-digit decline in China due to COVID comparisons, but core growth was high single digits, indicating a strong underlying market [31] - The overall market is expected to grow at 4% to 6% in the long term, with the company positioned to achieve 7% to 9% growth based on its proven strategies [33][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes delivering differentiated short-term performance while strengthening its long-term position, with over 80% of revenue being recurring in nature [6][11] - The company is focused on expanding its capabilities in contract development and manufacturing, with recent acquisitions enhancing its service offerings [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a slightly more challenging macro environment due to higher interest rates and geopolitical tensions, but believes the company is well-positioned to navigate these challenges [8][31] - The company remains optimistic about the long-term prospects in pharmaceutical and biotech, citing strong pipelines and consistent market share growth [11][12] Other Important Information - The company plans to deploy $40 billion to $50 billion in capital for M&A opportunities in the coming years, indicating a proactive approach to growth [32] - An Investor Day is scheduled for May 24, 2023, to provide deeper insights into business segments and financial outlook [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view the current business environment compared to past cycles? - Management reflects on navigating various economic cycles and emphasizes a clear set of principles to deliver performance and strengthen long-term positioning [5][6] Question: Can you clarify the comments on the macroenvironment being more challenging? - Management explains that the challenges are related to the life sciences tools market, influenced by higher interest rates and geopolitical tensions [8] Question: What is the strategic rationale behind expanding capabilities in contract development and manufacturing? - Management highlights the importance of building leading capabilities and the success of recent acquisitions in enhancing growth and customer trust [21][22] Question: How is the company managing inventory and customer stocking? - Management states that the company effectively manages customer inventory without incentivizing excess stocking, maintaining a strong relationship with clients [19] Question: What are the expectations for growth in the bio production segment? - Management anticipates moderated growth due to reduced COVID-related demand but expects improvement in the second half of the year based on customer dialogues [16][17]