[Form 4] THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. Insider Trading Activity
Jennifer M. Johnson, a director of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO), was credited with 67.31 Phantom Stock Units on September 27, 2025 under the issuer's Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. Each unit is convertible into one share of common stock on a 1-for-1 basis and the units were credited at a stated price of $464.24 per unit. The units are distributable as stock when the director ceases service or upon a change of control. The filing notes the reporting person is an executive at Franklin Resources, Inc., and that Franklin Templeton subsidiaries may hold Thermo Fisher shares in client accounts; the reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership of those third-party holdings.
- Director compensation credited: 67.31 Phantom Stock Units were credited under the Deferred Compensation Plan, aligning pay with shareholder value.
- Clear conversion terms: Units are convertible into common stock on a 1-for-1 basis and distributable upon cessation of service or a change of control.
- Transparent disclosure: Filing includes a specific per-unit credit price of $464.24 and a disclaimer regarding Franklin Templeton-managed holdings.
- None.
Insights
TL;DR: Routine director deferred-compensation crediting of 67.31 phantom units; immaterial to Thermo Fisher's cap table.
The transaction reported is a non-cash credit under the company's director deferred compensation plan: 67.31 phantom stock units were credited and are convertible 1-for-1 into common shares. Valuation per the filing is $464.24 per unit, reflecting how director retainers are deferred. This is a compensation administration event rather than a market-moving insider purchase or sale. No shares were sold or exercised and there is no change in voting control disclosed. Impact on outstanding shares or dilution is likely minimal given the small unit count relative to a large-cap issuer.
TL;DR: Standard director deferred-stock credit consistent with governance practices; disclosure and disclaimer are appropriate.
The Form 4 documents a typical deferred compensation credit to a director under the board's deferred plan. The filing clearly states conversion mechanics (1-for-1) and distribution conditions (cessation of service or change of control), which align with common director compensation structures. The report also includes a conflict-of-interest disclosure noting the reporting person's role at Franklin Resources and a disclaimer of beneficial ownership for assets managed by Franklin Templeton subsidiaries, which is prudent and transparent for governance purposes. No unusual governance risks or related-party transactions are identified in the filing text.