THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC.

Previous wording

GAAP operating income margin and adjusted operating income margin decreased in 2024 due primarily to unfavorable business mix and strategic investments, partially offset by productivity improvements. The decreases in GAAP operating income margin during 2024 were more than offset by lower levels of amortization expense. We estimate that charges for restructuring and related actions incurred for headcount reductions and facility consolidations, which resulted in charges of approximately $0.3 billion in 2024 and $0.3 billion in 2023, will realize annual cost savings of approximately $0.2 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, primarily due to reduced employee and facility expenses.

Current wording

GAAP operating income margin and adjusted operating income margin increased in 2025 due primarily to very strong productivity improvements, partially offset by unfavorable business mix and strategic investments. GAAP operating income margin in 2025 also benefited from lower amortization expense when compared to 2024; however, this was partially offset by higher transaction-related costs. We estimate that charges for restructuring and related actions incurred for headcount reductions and facility consolidations, which were approximately $0.3 billion in 2025 and $0.3 billion in 2024, will realize annual cost savings of approximately $0.5 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, primarily due to reduced employee and facility expenses.

Previous wording

The company’s references to strategic investments generally refer to targeted spending for enhancing commercial capabilities, including expansion of geographic sales reach and e-commerce platforms, marketing initiatives, expanded service and operational infrastructure, research and development projects and other expenditures to enhance the customer experience, as well as incentive compensation and recognition for employees. The company’s references throughout this discussion to productivity improvements generally refer to improved cost efficiencies from its Practical Process Improvement (PPI) business system to address inflation, including reduced costs resulting from implementing continuous improvement methodologies, global sourcing initiatives, a lower cost structure following restructuring actions including headcount reductions and consolidation of facilities, and low cost region manufacturing.

Current wording

The company’s references to strategic investments generally refer to targeted spending for enhancing commercial capabilities, including expansion of geographic sales reach and e-commerce platforms, marketing initiatives, expanded service and operational infrastructure, research and development projects and other expenditures to enhance the customer experience, as well as incentive compensation and recognition for employees. The company’s references throughout this discussion to productivity improvements generally refer to the impact of its Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System to address inflation, drive cost efficiencies and improve profitability. The benefits of PPI include optimized price realization, reduced costs resulting from implementing continuous improvement methodologies, global sourcing initiatives, a lower cost structure following restructuring actions including headcount reductions and consolidation of facilities, and low cost region manufacturing.

Previous wording

The increase in organic revenues in 2024 was due to very strong growth in the electron microscopy business, partially offset by declines in the other instrumentation businesses. The decrease in segment income margin resulted primarily from unfavorable business mix and strategic investments, largely offset by strong productivity improvements.

Current wording

Organic revenues were flat in 2025 primarily due to growth in the electron microscopy and chromatography and mass spectrometry businesses, largely offset by declines in the chemical analysis business. On a reported basis, the electron microscopy business and chromatography and mass spectrometry business grew $87 million and $83 million, respectively, partially offset by a decline of $78 million in the chemical analysis business. The decrease in segment income margin resulted primarily from the impacts of tariffs and related foreign exchange, strategic investments, and unfavorable business mix, partially offset by strong productivity improvements.

Previous wording

Organic revenues were flat in 2024 due to growth in the research and safety channel and clinical research business, offset by decreased demand in COVID-19 vaccines and therapies-related activity. The decrease in segment income margin was primarily due to unfavorable business mix and strategic investments, partially offset by productivity improvements.

Current wording

The increase in organic revenues in 2025 primarily due to growth in the research and safety market channel and the pharma services business, partially offset by moderation in COVID-19 vaccines and therapies-related activity. On a reported basis, the pharma services business and research and safety market channel grew $457 million and $422 million, respectively. The increase in segment income margin was primarily due to exceptionally strong productivity improvements, partially offset by unfavorable business mix and strategic investments.

Previous wording

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) decreased due primarily to higher cash, and cash equivalents and short-term investments balances, as well as higher interest rates on these balances when compared to 2023. See additional discussion under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below. In 2024 and 2023, the company’s net interest expense was reduced by approximately $264 million and $116 million, respectively, as a result of its interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements (Note 10).

Current wording

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased due primarily to lower cash, and cash equivalents and short-term investments balances, as well as lower interest rates on these balances when compared to 2024. See additional discussion under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below. In 2025 and 2024, the company’s net interest expense was reduced by approximately $283 million and $264 million, respectively, as a result of its interest rate swap and cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements (Note 10).

Previous wording

GAAP other income/(expense) and adjusted other income/(expense) includes currency transaction gains/losses on non-operating monetary assets and liabilities, and net periodic pension benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component. GAAP other income/(expense) in 2024 and 2023 also includes $20 million and $(45) million, respectively, of net gains/(losses) on investments.

Current wording

GAAP other income/(expense) and adjusted other income/(expense) includes currency transaction gains/losses on non-operating monetary assets and liabilities, and net periodic pension benefit cost/(income), excluding the service cost component. GAAP other income/(expense) in 2025 and 2024 also includes $14 million and $20 million, respectively, of net gains/(losses) on investments. GAAP other income/(expense) in 2025 also includes $8 million of settlement charges for pension plans.

Previous wording

The GAAP tax rate in 2024 was impacted by $176 million of expense, net, for a provision associated with a tax audit. The company’s 2024 GAAP and adjusted tax rates were also impacted by tax benefits of $459 million, primarily in jurisdictions where the deferred tax assets are now expected to be realized due to forecasted income.

Current wording

The company’s 2024 GAAP and adjusted tax rates were impacted by tax benefits of $459 million, primarily in jurisdictions where the deferred tax assets are now expected to be realized due to forecasted income. The company’s GAAP tax rate in 2024 was also impacted by $176 million of expense, net, for a provision associated with a tax audit.

Previous wording

The GAAP and adjusted tax rates in 2023 were impacted by changes in valuation allowances, including a $183 million release in a jurisdiction where the deferred tax assets are now expected to be realized, and, to a lesser extent, by a decrease in pre-tax earnings compared to 2022. The company’s GAAP and adjusted tax rates in 2023 were also impacted by tax planning initiatives, including a tax benefit of $127 million for U.S. tax credits and the revaluation of net operating loss carryforwards due to higher tax rates as a result of its tax return resubmissions, a tax benefit of $91 million, net of related tax expenses, from a foreign exchange loss on an intercompany debt refinancing transaction, and $233 million of tax benefits resulting from intra-entity transactions. The effective tax rates in both 2024 and 2023 were also affected by relatively significant earnings in lower tax jurisdictions. Due primarily to the non-deductibility of intangible asset amortization for tax purposes, the company’s cash payments for income taxes were higher than its income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. See additional discussion under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Current wording

The effective tax rates in both 2025 and 2024 were also affected by relatively significant earnings in lower tax jurisdictions. Due primarily to the non-deductibility of intangible asset amortization for tax purposes, the company’s cash payments for income taxes were higher than its income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. See additional discussion under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Previous wording

The company expects its GAAP effective tax rate in 2025 will be between 9% and 11% based on currently forecasted rates of profitability in the countries in which the company conducts business and expected generation of foreign tax credits. The effective tax rate can vary significantly from period to period as a result of discrete income tax factors and events. The company expects its adjusted tax rate will be approximately 11.5% in 2025.

Current wording

The company expects its GAAP effective tax rate in 2026 will be between 7% and 9% based on currently forecasted rates of profitability in the countries in which the company conducts business and expected generation of foreign tax credits. The effective tax rate can vary significantly from period to period as a result of discrete income tax factors and events. The company expects its adjusted tax rate will be approximately 11.5% in 2026.

Previous wording

Weighted average diluted shares decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 due to share repurchases, net of option dilution.

Current wording

Weighted average diluted shares decreased in 2025 compared to 2024 due to share repurchases.

Previous wording

Approximately half of the company’s cash balances and cash flows from operations are from outside the U.S. The company uses its non-U.S. cash for needs outside of the U.S. including acquisitions, capacity expansion, and repayment of third-party foreign debt by foreign subsidiaries. In addition, the company also transfers cash to the U.S. using non-taxable intercompany transactions, including loans and returns of capital, as well as dividends where the related U.S. dividend received deduction or foreign tax credit equals any tax cost arising from the dividends. As a result of using such means of transferring cash to the U.S., the company does not expect any material adverse liquidity effects from its significant non-U.S. cash balances for the foreseeable future.

Current wording

Approximately half of the company’s cash balances and cash flows from operations are generated outside the U.S. The company uses its non-U.S. cash for needs outside of the U.S., including acquisitions, capacity expansion, and repayment of third-party foreign debt by foreign subsidiaries. In addition, the company also transfers cash to the U.S. using non-taxable intercompany transactions, including loans and returns of capital, as well as dividends where the related U.S. dividend received deduction or foreign tax credit equals any tax cost arising from the dividends. As a result of using such means of transferring cash to the U.S., the company does not expect any material adverse liquidity effects from its significant non-U.S. cash balances for the foreseeable future.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, the company’s short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations totaled $2.21 billion. The company has a revolving credit facility with a bank group that provides up to $5.00 billion of unsecured multi-currency revolving credit (Note 3). If the company borrows under this facility, it intends to leave undrawn an amount equivalent to outstanding commercial paper to provide a source of funds in the event that commercial paper markets are not available. As of December 31, 2024, no borrowings were outstanding under the company’s revolving credit facility, although available capacity was reduced by immaterial outstanding letters of credit.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, the company’s short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations totaled $3.53 billion. The company has a revolving credit facility with a bank group that provides up to $5.00 billion of unsecured multi-currency revolving credit (Note 3). If the company borrows under this facility, it intends to leave undrawn an amount equivalent to outstanding commercial paper to provide a source of funds in the event that commercial paper markets are not available. As of December 31, 2025, no borrowings were outstanding under the company’s revolving credit facility, although available capacity was reduced by immaterial outstanding letters of credit.

Previous wording

During 2023, cash provided by income was offset in part by investments in working capital. A decrease in inventories provided cash of $0.60 billion. A decrease in accounts payable used cash of $0.50 billion, and changes in other assets and liabilities used cash of $0.80 billion primarily due to the timing of payments for compensation and income taxes. Cash payments for income taxes were $1.48 billion during 2023.

Current wording

During 2025, cash provided by income was offset in part by investments in working capital. Increases in accounts receivable used cash of $0.43 billion and changes in contract assets/liabilities used cash of $0.38 billion. An increase in accounts payable provided cash of $0.42 billion. Changes in other assets and liabilities used cash of $1.31 billion primarily due to the timing of payments for income taxes. Cash payments for income taxes were $1.78 billion during 2025.

Previous wording

During 2023, acquisitions of The Binding Site Group and CorEvitas, LLC used cash of $2.70 billion and $0.91 billion, respectively. The company’s investing activities also included purchases of $1.48 billion of property, plant and equipment for capacity and capability investments.

Current wording

During 2025, acquisitions used cash of $4.04 billion. The company’s investing activities also included $1.52 billion for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for capacity and capability investments, as well as $1.18 billion of proceeds from net sales of investments.

Previous wording

During 2024, the acquisition of Olink Holding AB (publ) used cash of $3.13 billion. The company’s investing activities also included net purchases of investments of $1.63 billion, primarily to provide additional interest income, as well as $1.40 billion of property, plant and equipment for capacity and capability investments.

Current wording

During 2024, acquisitions used cash of $3.13 billion. The company’s investing activities also included net purchases of investments of $1.63 billion, primarily to provide additional interest income, as well as $1.40 billion for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for capacity and capability investments.

Previous wording

The company expects that for all of 2025, expenditures for property, plant and equipment, net of disposals, will be between $1.4 billion and $1.7 billion.

Current wording

The company expects that for all of 2026, expenditures for property, plant and equipment, net of disposals, will be between $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion.

Previous wording

During 2024, issuance of debt provided $1.20 billion of cash. Repayment of debt used cash of $3.61 billion. The company’s financing activities also included the repurchase of $4.00 billion of the company’s common stock (7.4 million shares) and the payment of $0.58 billion in cash dividends. On November 15, 2024, the Board of Directors announced that it replaced the existing authorization to repurchase the company’s common stock, of which $1.00 billion was remaining, with a new authorization to repurchase up to $4.00 billion of the company’s common stock.

Current wording

During 2025, issuance of debt provided $7.76 billion of cash. Repayment of debt used cash of $2.41 billion. The company’s financing activities also included the repurchase of $3.00 billion of the company’s common stock (5.8 million shares) and the payment of $0.64 billion in cash dividends. On November 6, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $5.00 billion of the company’s common stock. Early in the first quarter of 2026, the company repurchased $3.00 billion (4.9 million shares) of the company's common stock. At February 26, 2026, $2.00 billion was available for future repurchases of the company’s common stock under this authorization.

Previous wording

In the first quarter of 2025, the company issued Fr.1.15 billion of Swiss franc-denominated debt (Note 3).

Current wording

In the first quarter of 2026, the company issued $3.80 billion of senior notes (Note 3).

Previous wording

During 2023, issuance of debt provided $5.94 billion of cash. Repayment of debt and net commercial paper activity used cash of $5.78 billion and $0.32 billion, respectively. The company’s financing activities also included the repurchase of $3.00 billion of the company's common stock (5.2 million shares) and the payment of $0.52 billion in cash dividends.

Current wording

During 2024, issuance of debt provided $1.20 billion of cash. Repayment of debt used cash of $3.61 billion. The company’s financing activities also included the repurchase of $4.00 billion of the company's common stock (7.4 million shares) and the payment of $0.58 billion in cash dividends.

Previous wording

In addition to the obligations on the balance sheet at December 31, 2024, which include, but are not limited to pension obligations (Note 14), unrecognized tax benefits (Note 7), debt (Note 3), operating leases (Note 13), and contingent consideration (Note 4), the company also has unconditional purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business that include agreements to purchase goods, services or fixed assets, pay royalties, and fund capital commitments pursuant to investments held by the company (Note 5).

Current wording

In addition to the obligations on the balance sheet at December 31, 2025, which include, but are not limited to the agreement to acquire Clario Holdings, Inc. (Note 12), pension obligations (Note 14), unrecognized tax benefits (Note 7), debt (Note 3), operating leases (Note 13), and contingent consideration (Note 4), the company also has unconditional purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business that include agreements to purchase goods, services or fixed assets, pay royalties, and fund capital commitments pursuant to investments held by the company (Note 5).

Previous wording

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 revenues from acquired/divested businesses and the effects of currency translation. We report organic revenue growth 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 and foreign currency translation on revenues. Thermo Fisher management uses organic revenue growth to forecast and evaluate the operational performance of the company as well as to compare revenues of current periods to prior periods.

Current wording

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures such as organic revenue growth, which is reported revenue growth, excluding the impacts of revenues from acquired/divested businesses and the effects of currency translation. We report organic revenue growth 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 and foreign currency translation on revenues. Thermo Fisher management uses organic revenue growth to forecast and evaluate the operational performance of the company as well as to compare revenues of current periods to prior periods.

Previous wording

We report adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted other income/(expense), adjusted tax rate, 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:

Current wording

We report adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted other income/(expense), adjusted tax rate, 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:

Previous wording

•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.

Current wording

•Certain transaction-related costs, including charges for the sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition, significant transaction-related third-party costs, 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.

Previous wording

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.

Current wording

We report free cash flow, which is operating cash flow less 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.

Previous wording

(a)Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude charges for inventory write-downs associated with large-scale abandonment of product lines, accelerated depreciation on manufacturing assets to be abandoned due to facility consolidations, and charges for the sale of inventory revalued at the date of acquisition.

Current wording

(a)Adjusted results exclude accelerated depreciation on manufacturing assets to be abandoned due to facility consolidations and charges for the sale of inventory revalued at the date of acquisition. Adjusted results in 2025 exclude $4 million of transaction-related costs. Adjusted results in 2024 also exclude $13 million of charges for inventory write-downs associated with large-scale abandonment of product lines.

Previous wording

(b)Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude certain third-party expenses, principally transaction/integration costs related to recent acquisitions, charges/credits for changes in estimates of contingent acquisition consideration, and charges associated with product liability litigation. Adjusted results in 2024 also exclude $7 million of accelerated depreciation on fixed assets to be abandoned due to facility consolidations.

Current wording

(b)Adjusted results exclude certain third-party expenses, principally transaction/integration costs, charges/credits for changes in estimates of contingent acquisition consideration, charges associated with product liability litigation, and accelerated depreciation on fixed assets to be abandoned due to facility consolidations.

Previous wording

(c)Adjusted results in 2024 and 2023 exclude restructuring and other costs consisting principally of severance, impairments of long-lived assets, charges for environmental-related matters, net charges for pre-acquisition litigation and other matters, net gains/losses on the sale of real estate, and abandoned facility and other expenses of headcount reductions and real estate consolidations. Adjusted results in 2023 also exclude $26 million of contract termination costs associated with facility closures.

Current wording

(c)Adjusted results exclude restructuring and other costs consisting principally of severance, impairments of long-lived assets, net charges/credits for pre-acquisition litigation and other matters, net gains/losses on the sale of real estate, charges for environmental-related matters, and abandoned facility and other expenses of headcount reductions and real estate consolidations. Adjusted results in 2025 also exclude $51 million of charges for disposition of a consolidated joint venture.

Previous wording

(d)Adjusted results exclude net gains/losses on investments.

Current wording

(d)Adjusted results exclude net gains/losses on investments. Adjusted results in 2025 also exclude $8 million of settlement charges for pension plans.

Previous wording

(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. Adjusted results in 2023 also exclude $14 million of net charges for pre-acquisition matters.

Current wording

(e)Adjusted results 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.

Previous wording

The company evaluates goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually and when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of an asset below its carrying amount. Events or circumstances that might require an interim evaluation include unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors, unanticipated technological changes or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts, among others. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets totaled $45.85 billion and $1.24 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2024 (see Note 2 for additional information). Estimates of discounted future cash flows require assumptions related to revenue and operating income margin growth rates, discount rates and other factors. For the goodwill impairment tests, the company also considers (i) peer revenues and earnings trading multiples from companies that have operational and financial characteristics that are similar to the respective reporting units and (ii) estimated weighted average costs of capital. Different assumptions from those made in the company’s analysis could materially affect projected cash flows and the company’s evaluation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment.

Current wording

The company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually and when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of an asset below its carrying amount. Events or circumstances that might require an interim evaluation include unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors, unanticipated technological changes or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts, among others. Goodwill totaled $49.36 billion at December 31, 2025 (Note 2). Estimates of discounted future cash flows require assumptions related to revenue and operating income margin growth rates, discount rates and other factors. The company also considers (i) peer revenues and earnings trading multiples from companies that have operational and financial characteristics that are similar to the respective reporting units and (ii) estimated weighted average costs of capital. Different assumptions from those made in the company’s analysis could materially affect projected cash flows and the company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment.

Previous wording

The company performed the quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Determinations of fair value based on projections of discounted cash flows, which generally increased from the prior year projections primarily due to lower discount rates, and based on peer revenues and earnings trading multiples, which also generally increased from the prior year, were sufficient to conclude that no impairments of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets existed at the end of the tenth fiscal month of 2024, the date of the company’s annual impairment testing. There were no interim impairments of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2024. There can be no assurance, however, that adverse events or conditions will not cause the fair values of these assets to decline. Should the fair values of the company’s reporting units or indefinite-lived intangible assets decline because of reduced operating performance, market declines, or other indicators of impairment, or as a result of changes in the discount rates, charges for impairment may be necessary.

Current wording

The company performed the quantitative goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units, except as discussed below. Determinations of fair value based on projections of discounted cash flows, which generally increased from the prior year projections primarily due to lower discount rates, and based on peer revenues and earnings trading multiples, which were generally consistent with the prior year, were sufficient to conclude that no impairments of goodwill existed at the end of the tenth fiscal month of 2025, the date of the company’s annual impairment testing. There were no interim impairments of goodwill in 2025. There can be no assurance, however, that adverse events or conditions will not cause the fair values of these assets to decline. Should the fair values of the company’s reporting units decline because of reduced operating performance, market declines, or other indicators of impairment, or as a result of changes in the discount rates, charges for impairment may be necessary.

Previous wording

Definite-lived intangible assets totaled $14.30 billion at December 31, 2024 (see Note 2 for additional information). Certain definite-lived intangible assets have largely independent cash flows. The company reviews these definite-lived intangible assets for impairment individually when indication of potential impairment exists, such as a significant reduction in cash flows associated with the assets. Actual cash flows arising from a particular intangible asset could vary from projected cash flows, which could imply different carrying values from those established at the dates of acquisition and which could result in impairment of such asset. Most of the company’s definite-lived intangible assets are used in conjunction with other assets, such as property, plant and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets. In these situations, the company considers the asset groups to be the units of account for impairment testing. The company recorded definite-lived intangible asset impairments of $0.01 billion in 2023.

Current wording

Definite-lived intangible assets totaled $14.60 billion at December 31, 2025 (Note 2). Certain definite-lived intangible assets have largely independent cash flows. The company reviews these definite-lived intangible assets for impairment individually when indication of potential impairment exists, such as a significant reduction in cash flows associated with the assets. Actual cash flows arising from a particular intangible asset could vary from projected cash flows, which could imply different carrying values from those established at the dates of acquisition and which could result in impairment of such asset. Most of the company’s definite-lived intangible assets are used in conjunction with other assets, such as property, plant and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets. In these situations, the company considers the asset groups to be the units of account for impairment testing. The company recorded definite-lived intangible asset impairments of $0.01 billion in 2023.

Previous wording

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying the company’s income tax positions. The company assesses income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Should tax return positions that the company expects are sustainable not be sustained upon audit, the company could be required to record an incremental tax provision for such taxes. The company’s liability for these unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0.52 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $0.54 billion at December 31, 2023, primarily as a result of audit settlements and reductions of prior year tax positions (Note 7).

Current wording

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying the company’s income tax positions. The company assesses income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Should tax return positions that the company expects are sustainable not be sustained upon audit, the company could be required to record an incremental tax provision for such taxes. The company’s liability for these unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0.42 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to $0.52 billion at December 31, 2024, primarily as a result of audit settlements and reductions of prior year tax positions (Note 7).

Previous wording

The company estimates the degree to which tax assets will result in a benefit, after consideration of all positive and negative evidence, and provides a valuation allowance for tax assets that it believes will more likely than not go unused. In situations in which the company has been able to determine that its deferred tax assets will be realized, that determination generally relies on future reversals of taxable temporary differences and expected future taxable income. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset will be used, the company reverses the related valuation allowance. Any such reversals are recorded as a reduction of the company’s tax provision. The company’s tax valuation allowance totaled $1.04 billion and $1.32 billion at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively (Note 7). Should the company’s actual future taxable income by tax jurisdiction vary from estimates, additional allowances or reversals thereof may be necessary.

Current wording

The company estimates the degree to which tax assets will result in a benefit, after consideration of all positive and negative evidence, and provides a valuation allowance for tax assets that it believes will more likely than not go unused. In situations in which the company has been able to determine that its deferred tax assets will be realized, that determination generally relies on future reversals of taxable temporary differences and expected future taxable income. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset will be used, the company reverses the related valuation allowance. Any such reversals are recorded as a reduction of the company’s tax provision. The company’s tax valuation allowance totaled $3.56 billion and $1.04 billion at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively (Note 7). Should the company’s actual future taxable income by tax jurisdiction vary from estimates, additional allowances or reversals thereof may be necessary.