Mettler-Toledo International Inc. Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE: MTD) reported flat sales compared to the prior year, with a 6% boost from recovering delayed shipments. Net earnings per diluted share (EPS) were $8.24, a decrease from $8.47 in the previous year. Adjusted EPS increased by 2% to $8.89. Sales in Europe and the Americas increased, while Asia/Rest of World saw a decline. Management foresees a 4% sales decline for the second quarter and a 11% to 13% decrease in Adjusted EPS due to market uncertainties.

Positive

• Sales in Europe and the Americas increased by 8% and 3% respectively, showing growth in these regions.

• Adjusted EPS increased by 2% to $8.89, showcasing the company's ability to maintain profitability.

• The company's strong execution of productivity and cost-saving initiatives offset foreign exchange challenges, resulting in modest Adjusted EPS growth.

Negative

• Net earnings per diluted share (EPS) decreased to $8.24 from $8.47 in the prior year, indicating a decline in profitability.

• Total sales were flat at $925.9 million, suggesting stagnant revenue growth.

• Management anticipates a 4% decline in local currency sales for the second quarter of 2024, reflecting market uncertainty.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Analyzing Mettler-Toledo International Inc.'s first quarter results reveals a mixed financial performance. The reported flat sales compared to the prior year, at $925.9 million, indicates a stagnation in revenue growth. Notably, the 6% benefit from delayed shipments in the previous quarter implies that underlying sales without this one-off boost might have been disappointing. Additionally, the reduced market demand in China presents a challenge for future revenue, given the economic significance of the region. On the positive side, the slight increase in adjusted EPS to $8.89 from $8.69 shows the company's ability to manage costs and maintain profitability amidst flat sales and potential headwinds such as adverse currency impacts. Investors should carefully consider the cautious outlook for the second quarter of 2024, with forecasted local currency sales decline and reduced adjusted EPS, which could signal potential challenges ahead. The company's ability to execute on productivity and savings initiatives will be important for its financial performance in a volatile market environment.

Market Analyst

Mettler-Toledo's performance in different regions highlights significant disparities. While sales increased in Europe (8%) and the Americas (3%), the sharp decline in Asia (12%), particularly in China, suggests regional vulnerabilities that could be symptomatic of broader economic trends or competitive pressures. The company's management appears to be effectively implementing productivity and cost-saving strategies to mitigate some of these regional challenges. However, the investor should note the projected 4% decline in local currency sales for the upcoming quarter, alongside the 11% to 13% decline in adjusted EPS. This negative outlook suggests that while Mettler-Toledo is managing current challenges, there are concerns about their ability to sustain growth in an uncertain market. The planned increase in local currency sales for the full year, from 1-2% to approximately 2%, alongside a 5-6% growth in adjusted EPS, hints at the management's confidence in their long-term strategy, but the forecasted headwinds due to currency fluctuations remain a critical factor to monitor.

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE: MTD) today announced first quarter results for 2024. Provided below are the highlights:

• Reported and local currency sales were flat compared with the prior year and benefited 6% from recovering previously announced delayed shipments from the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Net earnings per diluted share as reported (EPS) were $8.24, compared with $8.47 in the prior-year period. Adjusted EPS was $8.89, an increase of 2% over the prior-year amount of $8.69. Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP measure, and a reconciliation to EPS is included on the last page of the attached schedules.

First Quarter Results

Patrick Kaltenbach, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Our first quarter results were much better than expected, although we continued to face reduced market demand, especially in China, versus the prior year. We also substantially recovered our previously disclosed delayed product shipments from the fourth quarter of 2023, slightly better than forecast. Strong execution of our productivity and cost savings initiatives offset significant foreign exchange headwinds and resulted in modest Adjusted EPS growth in the quarter.”

GAAP Results

EPS in the quarter was $8.24, compared with the prior-year amount of $8.47.

Compared with the prior year, total reported sales were flat at $925.9 million. By region, reported sales increased 8% in Europe and 3% in the Americas and declined 12% in Asia/Rest of World. Earnings before taxes amounted to $220.5 million, compared with $226.6 million in the prior year.

Non-GAAP Results

Adjusted EPS was $8.89, an increase of 2% over the prior-year amount of $8.69.

Compared with the prior year, total sales in local currency were flat and benefited by 6% from recovering delayed shipments from the fourth quarter of 2023. By region, local currency sales increased 6% in Europe and 3% in the Americas and declined 8% in Asia/Rest of World. Excluding the benefit of delayed fourth quarter 2023 shipments, local currency sales decreased 5% in Europe, 1% in the Americas, and 12% in Asia/Rest of World. Adjusted Operating Profit amounted to $267.3 million, compared to the prior-year amount of $266.5 million.

Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Profit are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the attached schedules.

Outlook

Management cautions that market conditions are uncertain and could change quickly. Based on today's assessment, management anticipates local currency sales for the second quarter of 2024 will decline approximately 4%, and Adjusted EPS is forecast to be $8.90 to $9.05, a decline of 11% to 13%. Included in the second quarter guidance is an estimated 2% headwind to Adjusted EPS growth due to adverse currency.

For the full year, management anticipates local currency sales in 2024 will increase approximately 2%, and Adjusted EPS is forecast to be in the range of $39.90 to $40.40, representing growth of approximately 5% to 6%. Included in the full year guidance is an estimated 2% headwind to Adjusted EPS growth due to adverse currency. This compares with previous local currency sales growth guidance of approximately 1% to 2% and Adjusted EPS guidance of $39.60 to $40.30.

The Company does not provide GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis because we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort the timing and amount of future restructuring and other non-recurring items.

Conclusion

Kaltenbach concluded, “We expect soft market conditions in the second quarter of 2024, particularly in China. We remain focused on the diligent execution of our growth strategies, while continuing to drive innovation and further strengthen our Company for the future. Our product portfolio is in excellent shape with many successful recent product introductions, and enhancements to our best-in-class corporate programs such as Spinnaker and SternDrive position us very well for future growth.”

Other Matters

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its quarterly results tomorrow morning (Friday, May 10) at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to a live webcast or replay of the call, visit the investor relations page on the Company’s website at investor.mt.com. The presentation referenced on the conference call will be located on the website prior to the call.

METTLER TOLEDO (NYSE: MTD) is a leading global supplier of precision instruments and services. We have strong leadership positions in all of our businesses and believe we hold global number-one market positions in most of them. We are recognized as an innovation leader and our solutions are critical in key R&D, quality control, and manufacturing processes for customers in a wide range of industries including life sciences, food, and chemicals. Our sales and service network is one of the most extensive in the industry. Our products are sold in more than 140 countries and we have a direct presence in approximately 40 countries. With proven growth strategies and a focus on execution, we have achieved a long-term track record of strong financial performance. For more information, please visit www.mt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

You should not rely on forward-looking statements to predict our actual results. Our actual results or performance may be materially different than reflected in forward-looking statements because of various risks and uncertainties, including statements about expected revenue growth, inflation, ongoing developments related to Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue.”

We make forward-looking statements about future events or our future financial performance, including earnings and sales growth, earnings per share, strategic plans and contingency plans, growth opportunities or economic downturns, our ability to respond to changes in market conditions, planned research and development efforts and product introductions, adequacy of facilities, access to and the costs of raw materials, shipping and supplier costs, gross margins, customer demand, our competitive position, pricing, capital expenditures, cash flow, tax-related matters, the impact of foreign currencies, compliance with laws, effects of acquisitions, and the impact of inflation, ongoing developments related to Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war on our business.

Our forward-looking statements may not be accurate or complete, and we do not intend to update or revise them in light of actual results. New risks also periodically arise. Please consider the risks and factors that could cause our results to differ materially from what is described in our forward-looking statements, including inflation, ongoing developments related to Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. See in particular “Factors Affecting Our Future Operating Results” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(amounts in thousands except share data)
(unaudited)
	Three months ended							Three months ended
	March 31, 2024				% of sales			March 31, 2023				% of sales
Net sales	$	925,949		(a)	100.0			$	928,738			100.0
Cost of sales		377,816			40.8				382,172			41.1
Gross profit		548,133			59.2				546,566			58.9
Research and development		46,415			5.0				45,477			4.9
Selling, general and administrative		234,390			25.3				234,638			25.3
Amortization		18,228			2.0				17,779			1.9
Interest expense		19,232			2.1				18,184			2.0
Restructuring charges		9,664			1.0				4,274			0.4
Other charges (income), net		(343	)		(0.0	)			(396	)		(0.0	)
Earnings before taxes		220,547			23.8				226,610			24.4
Provision for taxes		43,038			4.6				38,184			4.1
Net earnings	$	177,509			19.2			$	188,426			20.3
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings	$	8.28						$	8.53
Weighted average number of common shares		21,437,673							22,083,456
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings	$	8.24						$	8.47
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares		21,543,313							22,253,435
Note:
(a) Local currency sales were flat compared to the same period in 2023.
RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES TO ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
	Three months ended							Three months ended
	March 31, 2024				% of sales			March 31, 2023				% of sales
Earnings before taxes	$	220,547						$	226,610
Amortization		18,228							17,779
Interest expense		19,232							18,184
Restructuring charges		9,664							4,274
Other charges (income), net		(343	)						(396	)
Adjusted operating profit	$	267,328		(b)	28.9			$	266,451			28.7
Note:
(b) Adjusted operating profit was flat as compared to the same period in 2023.

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
		March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents		$	70,191			$	69,807
Accounts receivable, net			650,333				663,893
Inventories			373,670				385,865
Other current assets and prepaid expenses			116,920				110,638
Total current assets			1,211,114				1,230,203
Property, plant and equipment, net			773,495				803,374
Goodwill and other intangibles assets, net			940,191				955,537
Other non-current assets			358,317				366,441
Total assets		$	3,283,117			$	3,355,555
Short-term borrowings and maturities of long-term debt		$	183,173			$	192,219
Trade accounts payable			189,449				210,411
Accrued and other current liabilities			759,310				778,452
Total current liabilities			1,131,932				1,181,082
Long-term debt			1,903,574				1,888,620
Other non-current liabilities			406,328				435,791
Total liabilities			3,441,834				3,505,493
Shareholders’ equity			(158,717	)			(149,938	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	3,283,117			$	3,355,555

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
		Three months ended
		March 31,
			2024				2023
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net earnings		$	177,509			$	188,426
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			12,522				12,023
Amortization			18,228				17,779
Deferred tax provision (benefit)			(2,063	)			602
Share-based compensation			4,722				4,027
Decrease in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities			(20,931	)			(69,595	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			189,987				153,262
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment			(17,391	)			(23,196	)
Acquisitions			(1,000	)			(613	)
Other investing activities			9,456				1,423
Net cash used in investing activities			(8,935	)			(22,386	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings			449,863				605,018
Repayments of borrowings			(418,280	)			(503,516	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			1,831				11,473
Repurchases of common stock			(212,499	)			(249,999	)
Other financing activities			-				(611	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(179,085	)			(137,635	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(1,583	)			(122	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			384				(6,881	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period			69,807				95,966
End of period		$	70,191			$	89,085
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	189,987			$	153,262
Payments in respect of restructuring activities			9,714				1,983
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net (a)			(17,391	)			(19,908	)
Adjusted free cash flow		$	182,310			$	135,337

Note:

(a)

In September 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to increase the domestic production capacity of pipette tips and enhance manufacturing automation and logistics. The Company received funding of $35.8 million in prior years, which offset capital expenditures. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 the related purchase of property, plant and equipment of $3.3 million are excluded from Adjusted free cash flow.

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
OTHER OPERATING STATISTICS
SALES GROWTH BY DESTINATION
(unaudited)
	Americas		Europe		Asia/RoW		Total
U.S. Dollar Sales Growth
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024	3%		8%		(12%)		0%
Local Currency Sales Growth
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024	3%		6%		(8%)		0%

Note:
(a)	The Company estimates net sales benefited by 6% from recovering previously delayed shipments from the fourth quarter of 2023. By geographic destination, net sales benefited approximately 4% in the Americas, 11% in Europe and 4% in Asia/Rest of World.

RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EPS AS REPORTED TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS
(unaudited)
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2024			2023				% Growth
EPS as reported, diluted	$	8.24		$	8.47			-3	%
Purchased intangible amortization, net of tax		0.24	(a)		0.23		(a)
Restructuring charges, net of tax		0.36	(b)		0.16		(b)
Income tax expense		0.05	(c)		(0.17	)	(c)
Adjusted EPS, diluted	$	8.89		$	8.69			2	%

Notes:
(a)	Represents the EPS impact of purchased intangibles amortization of $6.6 million ($5.1 million after tax) for both three month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
(b)	Represents the EPS impact of restructuring charges of $9.7 million ($7.8 million after tax) and $4.3 million ($3.5 million after tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which primarily include employee related costs.
(c)	Represents the EPS impact of the difference between our quarterly and estimated annual tax rate before non-recurring discrete items during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 due to the timing of excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240509135311/en/

Adam Uhlman

Head of Investor Relations

METTLER TOLEDO

Direct: 614-438-4794

adam.uhlman@mt.com

Source: Mettler-Toledo International Inc.

FAQ

What were Mettler-Toledo International Inc.'s reported sales compared to the prior year?

Reported sales were flat compared to the prior year, with a 6% boost from recovering delayed shipments.

What was the Net earnings per diluted share (EPS) for Mettler-Toledo International Inc.?

Net earnings per diluted share (EPS) were $8.24, a decrease from $8.47 in the previous year.

Where did Mettler-Toledo International Inc. see sales growth in the first quarter of 2024?

Sales in Europe and the Americas increased by 8% and 3% respectively, showcasing growth in these regions.

What is Mettler-Toledo International Inc.'s forecast for the second quarter of 2024?

Management anticipates a 4% decline in local currency sales and a 11% to 13% decrease in Adjusted EPS for the second quarter of 2024.