Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock To $390?

TMO: Thermo Fisher Scientific logo
TMO
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) stock has fallen 17% during the past month, and is currently trading at $520.12. Our multi-factor assessment suggests that it may be time to sell TMO stock. We have, overall, a pessimistic view of the stock, and a price of $390 may not be out of reach. We believe there are a few things to fear in TMO stock given its overall Weak operating performance and financial condition. In addition, keeping in mind its High valuation, we think that the stock is Unattractive.

Below is our assessment:

  CONCLUSION
What you pay:
Valuation High
What you get:
Growth Inconsistent
Profitability Moderate
Financial Stability Strong
Downturn Resilience Moderate
Operating Performance Weak
 
Stock Opinion Unattractive

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Let’s get into details of each of the assessed factors but before that, for quick background: With $197 Bil in market cap, Thermo Fisher Scientific provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products worldwide, including reagents, immunodiagnostic kits, and laboratory refrigerators and freezers.

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[1] Valuation Looks High

  TMO S&P 500
Price-to-Sales Ratio 4.5 3.4
Price-to-Earnings Ratio 29.8 25.0
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio 32.0 21.1

This table highlights how TMO is valued vs broader market. For more details see: TMO Valuation Ratios

[2] Growth Is Inconsistent

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific has seen its top line shrink at an average rate of -0.3% over the last 3 years
  • Its revenues have grown 3.2% from $42 Bil to $44 Bil in the last 12 months
  • Also, its quarterly revenues grew 4.9% to $11 Bil in the most recent quarter from $11 Bil a year ago.

  TMO S&P 500
3-Year Average -0.3% 5.6%
Latest Twelve Months* 3.2% 6.4%
Most Recent Quarter (YoY)* 4.9% 7.5%

This table highlights how TMO is growing vs broader market. For more details see: TMO Revenue Comparison

[3] Profitability Appears Moderate

  • TMO last 12 month operating income was $8.1 Bil representing operating margin of 18.4%
  • With cash flow margin of 17.5%, it generated nearly $7.7 Bil in operating cash flow over this period
  • For the same period, TMO generated nearly $6.6 Bil in net income, suggesting net margin of about 15.0%

  TMO S&P 500
Current Operating Margin 18.4% 18.8%
Current OCF Margin 17.5% 20.7%
Current Net Income Margin 15.0% 12.9%

This table highlights how TMO profitability vs broader market. For more details see: TMO Operating Income Comparison

[4] Financial Stability Looks Strong

  • TMO Debt was $36 Bil at the end of the most recent quarter, while its current Market Cap is $197 Bil. This implies Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 18.2%
  • TMO Cash (including cash equivalents) makes up $3.5 Bil of $103 Bil in total Assets. This yields a Cash-to-Assets Ratio of 3.4%

  TMO S&P 500
Current Debt-to-Equity Ratio 18.2% 20.2%
Current Cash-to-Assets Ratio 3.4% 7.2%

[5] Downturn Resilience Is Moderate

TMO saw an impact slightly better than the S&P 500 index during various economic downturns. We assess this based on both (a) how much the stock fell and, (b) how quickly it recovered.

2022 Inflation Shock

  • TMO stock fell 35.3% from a high of $667.24 on 31 December 2021 to $431.41 on 27 October 2023 vs. a peak-to-trough decline of 25.4% for the S&P 500.
  • The stock is yet to recover to its pre-Crisis high
  • The highest the stock has reached since then is $639.45 on 22 January 2026 , and currently trades at $520.12

  TMO S&P 500
% Change from Pre-Recession Peak -35.3% -25.4%
Time to Full Recovery Not Fully Recovered 464 days

 
2020 Covid Pandemic

  • TMO stock fell 24.9% from a high of $340.05 on 22 January 2020 to $255.30 on 23 March 2020 vs. a peak-to-trough decline of 33.9% for the S&P 500.
  • However, the stock fully recovered to its pre-Crisis peak by 27 April 2020

  TMO S&P 500
% Change from Pre-Recession Peak -24.9% -33.9%
Time to Full Recovery 35 days 148 days

 
2008 Global Financial Crisis

  • TMO stock fell 53.9% from a high of $62.70 on 15 August 2008 to $28.90 on 20 November 2008 vs. a peak-to-trough decline of 56.8% for the S&P 500.
  • However, the stock fully recovered to its pre-Crisis peak by 18 May 2011

  TMO S&P 500
% Change from Pre-Recession Peak -53.9% -56.8%
Time to Full Recovery 909 days 1,480 days

 

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