Thermo Fisher profit jumps 68 percent

The first-quarter profit at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is up nearly 68 percent, boosted by improved operating performance.

The Waltham-based maker of laboratory supplies and scientific instruments said the latest quarter's profit also swelled compared to a year ago because of acquisition-related charges in last year's first quarter.

Thermo Fisher Scientific today reported net income of $233 million in the January-through-March period. That compares with a profit of $138.9 million a year earlier.

Not counting one-time items, the latest quarter's profit narrowly beat the consensus estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial.

Thermo Fisher Scientific also slightly raised its profit and revenue expectations for the full year. The company expects a 2008 profit of $3.07 to $3.17, up from previous guidance of $3.05 to $3.15. Revenue is now expected to come in at $10.6 billion to $10.7 billion, up from earlier expectations of $10.5 billion to $10.6 billion.

Thermo Fisher has been in the news of late for one of its secondary businesses. Last week, it said that its hard-plastic Nalgene water bottles made with bisphenol A will be pulled from stores over the next few months because of growing consumer concern over whether the chemical poses a health risk.

Nalge Nunc International, a division of Thermo Fisher, said it will substitute its Nalgene Outdoor line of polycarbonate plastic containers with BPA-free alternatives.

For recent Globe coverage of Thermo Fisher, click here. (AP)