Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) risk factors, FY2025 10-K

Industry and Economic Risks

1. 01Our growth would be impacted if the markets into which we sell our products and services decline, do not grow as anticipated or experience cyclicality
2. 02Our business is affected by general economic conditions and related uncertainties affecting markets in which we operate
3. 03Economic, political, foreign currency and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our results of operations32% rewritten
4. 04Demand for some of our products depends on capital spending policies of our customers and on government funding policies58% rewritten
5. 05We are subject to risks associated with public health emergencies, pandemics, epidemics, or other health outbreaks

Business Risks

1. 06We must develop new products, adapt to rapid and significant technological change, respond to introductions of new products and services by competitors and maintain quality to remain competitive43% rewritten
2. 07It may be difficult for us to implement our strategies for improving internal growth
3. 08Because we compete directly with certain of our larger customers and product suppliers, our results of operations could be adversely affected in the short term if these customers or suppliers abruptly discontinue or significantly modify their relationship with us
4. 09Our inability to complete any pending acquisitions or to successfully integrate any new or previous acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business

Operational Risks

1. 10Our reliance upon sole or limited sources of supply for certain materials or components could cause production interruptions, delays and inefficiencies
2. 11A significant cyber-attack or other disruption in, or breach in security of, our information technology systems could adversely harm our operating results and financial condition, damage our reputation or otherwise materially harm our business
3. 12Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to attract and retain a highly qualified workforce, comprised of scientific, technical, clinical, and management talent
4. 13We may incur unexpected costs from increases in fuel and raw material prices, which could reduce our earnings and cash flows
5. 14Because we rely heavily on third-party package-delivery services, a significant disruption in these services or significant increases in prices may disrupt our ability to ship products, increase our costs and lower our profitability
6. 15Natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may disrupt our facilities or the facilities of third parties on which we depend, and could impact customer spending
7. 16Increasing attention to sustainability matters may impact our business, financial results, stock price or reputation

Legal, Quality and Regulatory Risks

1. 17New governmental regulations or changes in existing governmental regulations may reduce demand for our products or increase our expenses
2. 18We are subject to laws and regulations governing government contracts, and failure to address these laws and regulations or comply with government contracts could harm our business by leading to a reduction in revenues associated with these customers
3. 19Our pharma services offerings are highly complex, and if we are unable to provide quality and timely offerings to our customers, our business could suffer
4. 20A violation of data privacy or data protection laws could adversely harm our operating results and financial condition, damage our reputation or otherwise materially harm our business
5. 21We are subject to product and other liability risks for which we may not have adequate insurance coverage
6. 22We are required to comply with a wide variety of laws and regulations, and are subject to regulation by various federal, state and foreign agencies
7. 23Our reputation, ability to do business and financial statements may be impaired by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents, business partners or other third parties
8. 24Our inability to protect our intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, third parties may claim that we infringe their intellectual property, and we could suffer significant litigation or licensing expense as a result

Risks Relating to Financial Profile

1. 25Fluctuations in our effective tax rate may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows21% rewritten
2. 26Our existing and future indebtedness may restrict our investment opportunities or limit our activities and negatively impact our credit ratings