Mettler-Toledo International Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE: MTD) reported its Q2 2024 results, showing a 4% decline in reported sales and a 2% decrease in local currency sales. The company's EPS increased to $10.37 from $9.69 in the prior year, including a one-time non-cash tax benefit of $1.07 per share. Adjusted EPS decreased by 5% to $9.65.

Regional performance varied, with local currency sales increasing in Europe (6%) and the Americas (2%), but declining in Asia/Rest of World (12%). The company's outlook for Q3 2024 anticipates a 1% increase in local currency sales and Adjusted EPS between $9.90 to $10.05. For the full year 2024, MTD forecasts local currency sales growth of approximately 2% and Adjusted EPS in the range of $40.20 to $40.50, representing 6% to 8% growth.

Positive

• EPS increased to $10.37 from $9.69 in the prior year
• Local currency sales increased 6% in Europe and 2% in the Americas
• Company forecasts 2% local currency sales growth for full year 2024
• Full year 2024 Adjusted EPS forecast represents 6% to 8% growth

Negative

• Reported sales declined 4% compared to the prior year
• Local currency sales decreased 2% in the quarter
• Adjusted EPS decreased by 5% to $9.65
• Local currency sales declined 12% in Asia/Rest of World region
• Adverse currency impact estimated to create 2% headwind to full year Adjusted EPS growth

Financial Analyst

Mettler-Toledo's Q2 2024 results present a mixed picture, with some concerning trends but also signs of resilience. The 4% decline in reported sales and 2% decrease in local currency sales indicate challenging market conditions, particularly in Asia/Rest of World where local currency sales fell by 12%. However, the company demonstrated strength in Europe and the Americas, with local currency sales growth of 6% and 2% respectively.

The Adjusted EPS of $9.65 represents a 5% year-over-year decline, which is noteworthy but not catastrophic given the headwinds. The company's ability to maintain profitability in a difficult environment speaks to its operational efficiency and cost management. The one-time non-cash tax benefit of $1.07 per share boosted GAAP EPS, but it's important to focus on the adjusted figures for a clearer picture of operational performance.

Looking ahead, management's guidance for Q3 and full-year 2024 suggests cautious optimism. The projected 1% increase in local currency sales for Q3 and 2% for the full year indicate expectations of a gradual recovery. The raised full-year Adjusted EPS guidance to $40.20 to $40.50 is a positive sign, representing 6% to 8% growth despite currency headwinds.

Investors should closely monitor the company's performance in Asia, particularly China, as continued weakness in this region could impact overall growth. The company's ability to execute on productivity and margin initiatives will be important in navigating the uncertain market conditions and currency challenges ahead.

Market Research Analyst

Mettler-Toledo's Q2 results reflect broader market trends and regional disparities. The stark contrast between performance in Europe and the Americas versus Asia/Rest of World highlights the importance of geographical diversification in the current global economic landscape.

The 16% reported sales decline in Asia/Rest of World is particularly concerning, as it suggests deeper issues beyond currency fluctuations. This region, especially China, has been a key growth driver for many multinational corporations and its continued weakness could have ripple effects across various industries.

On a positive note, the 5% reported sales increase in Europe and 2% in the Americas demonstrates resilience in these markets. The Laboratory segment's good growth in these regions is encouraging, potentially indicating sustained demand for scientific and analytical instruments despite economic uncertainties.

The company's ability to deliver better-than-expected financial results despite challenging conditions speaks to its market position and operational adaptability. However, the overall 2% decline in local currency sales for the quarter suggests that Mettler-Toledo is not immune to broader market pressures.

Looking forward, the company's cautious outlook for Q3 and the full year 2024 aligns with the uncertain market conditions. The projected 1% local currency sales growth for Q3 and 2% for the full year indicate expectations of a slow recovery. This conservative stance is prudent given the potential for rapid changes in market dynamics, particularly in key regions like China.

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

• Reported sales declined 4% compared with the prior year. In local currency, sales decreased 2% in the quarter as currency reduced sales growth by 2%.

• Net earnings per diluted share as reported (EPS) were $10.37, compared with $9.69 in the prior-year period. Adjusted EPS was $9.65, a decrease of 5% over the prior-year amount of $10.19. Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP measure, and a reconciliation to EPS is included on the last page of the attached schedules.

Second Quarter Results

Patrick Kaltenbach, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Our team continued to execute very well in the second quarter and delivered good Laboratory sales growth in Europe and the Americas. As expected, market conditions in China remained weak. We continue to benefit from our productivity and margin initiatives, which helped mitigate the impact of foreign exchange headwinds and supported better-than-expected financial results.”

GAAP Results

EPS in the quarter was $10.37, compared with the prior-year amount of $9.69. EPS included a one-time non-cash tax benefit of $1.07 per share.

Compared with the prior year, total reported sales declined 4% to $946.8 million. By region, reported sales increased 5% in Europe and 2% in the Americas and declined 16% in Asia/Rest of World. Earnings before taxes amounted to $243.2 million, compared with $263.4 million in the prior year.

Non-GAAP Results

Adjusted EPS was $9.65, a decrease of 5% over the prior-year amount of $10.19.

Compared with the prior year, total sales in local currency declined 2% as currency reduced sales growth by 2%. By region, local currency sales increased 6% in Europe and 2% in the Americas and declined 12% in Asia/Rest of World. Adjusted Operating Profit amounted to $284.1 million, compared with the prior-year amount of $307.7 million.

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

Six Month Results

GAAP Results

EPS was $18.60, compared with the prior-year amount of $18.15, and included the previously mentioned one-time non-cash tax benefit of $1.07 per share.

Compared with the prior year, total reported sales declined 2% to $1.873 billion. By region, reported sales increased 6% in Europe and 3% in the Americas and declined 14% in Asia/Rest of World. Earnings before taxes amounted to $463.7 million, compared with $490.0 million in the prior year.

Non-GAAP Results

Adjusted EPS was $18.53, a decrease of 2% over the prior-year amount of $18.82.

Compared with the prior year, total sales in local currency declined 1% as currency reduced sales growth by 1%. By region, local currency sales increased 6% in Europe and 2% in the Americas and declined 11% in Asia/Rest of World. Excluding the first quarter benefit from delayed fourth quarter 2023 shipments, year-to-date local currency sales declined 4%, including flat local currency sales in Europe and the Americas and a 12% decline in Asia/Rest of World. Adjusted Operating Profit amounted to $551.4 million, compared with the prior-year amount of $574.2 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 third quarter of 2024 will increase approximately 1%, and Adjusted EPS is forecast to be $9.90 to $10.05, representing growth of 1% to 3%. Included in the third quarter guidance is an estimated 1% 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 $40.20 to $40.50, representing growth of approximately 6% to 8%. 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 2% and Adjusted EPS guidance of $39.90 to $40.40.

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, “Market conditions globally have remained soft, especially in China. However, we expect our local currency sales to return to growth in the second half of the year primarily due to easier comparisons, as well as execution of our Spinnaker sales and marketing program and leveraging our innovative product portfolio. We remain focused on continuing to strengthen our Company for the future and believe we are in an excellent position to continue to gain market share and deliver future growth.”

Other Matters

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its quarterly results tomorrow morning (Friday, August 2) at 7:30 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
		June 30, 2024					% of sales			June 30, 2023				% of sales
Net sales		$	946,750		(a)		100.0			$	982,117			100.0
Cost of sales			381,082				40.3				398,574			40.6
Gross profit			565,668				59.7				583,543			59.4
Research and development			45,771				4.8				47,245			4.8
Selling, general and administrative			235,796				24.9				228,594			23.3
Amortization			18,178				1.9				18,042			1.8
Interest expense			18,950				2.0				19,249			2.0
Restructuring charges			5,329				0.6				8,021			0.8
Other charges (income), net			(1,533	)			(0.2	)			(1,011	)		(0.1	)
Earnings before taxes			243,177				25.7				263,403			26.8
Provision for taxes			21,363				2.3				49,476			5.0
Net earnings		$	221,814				23.4			$	213,927			21.8
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings		$	10.42							$	9.75
Weighted average number of common shares			21,279,006								21,944,645
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings		$	10.37							$	9.69
Weighted average number of common			21,392,550								22,080,602
and common equivalent shares
Note:
(a) Local currency sales decreased 2% as compared to the same period in 2023.
RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES TO ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
		Three months ended								Three months ended
		June 30, 2024					% of sales			June 30, 2023				% of sales
Earnings before taxes		$	243,177							$	263,403
Amortization			18,178								18,042
Interest expense			18,950								19,249
Restructuring charges			5,329								8,021
Other charges (income), net			(1,533	)							(1,011	)
Adjusted operating profit		$	284,101		(b)		30.0			$	307,704			31.3
Note:
(b) Adjusted operating profit decreased 8% as compared to the same period in 2023.

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(amounts in thousands except share data)
(unaudited)
		Six months ended								Six months ended
		June 30, 2024					% of sales			June 30, 2023				% of sales
Net sales		$	1,872,699		(a)		100.0			$	1,910,855			100.0
Cost of sales			758,898				40.5				780,746			40.9
Gross profit			1,113,801				59.5				1,130,109			59.1
Research and development			92,186				4.9				92,722			4.9
Selling, general and administrative			470,186				25.1				463,232			24.2
Amortization			36,406				1.9				35,821			1.9
Interest expense			38,182				2.0				37,433			2.0
Restructuring charges			14,993				0.8				12,295			0.6
Other charges (income), net			(1,876	)			(0.0	)			(1,407	)		(0.1	)
Earnings before taxes			463,724				24.8				490,013			25.6
Provision for taxes			64,401				3.5				87,660			4.5
Net earnings		$	399,323				21.3			$	402,353			21.1
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings		$	18.70							$	18.28
Weighted average number of common shares			21,358,339								22,013,662
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings		$	18.60							$	18.15
Weighted average number of common			21,468,995								22,164,394
and common equivalent shares
Note:
(a) Local currency sales decreased 1% as compared to the same period in 2023.
RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES TO ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
		Six months ended								Six months ended
		June 30, 2024					% of sales			June 30, 2023				% of sales
Earnings before taxes		$	463,724							$	490,013
Amortization			36,406								35,821
Interest expense			38,182								37,433
Restructuring charges			14,993								12,295
Other charges (income), net			(1,876	)							(1,407	)
Adjusted operating profit		$	551,429		(b)		29.4			$	574,155		(b)	30.0
Note:
(b) Adjusted operating profit decreased 4% as compared to the same period in 2023.

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
		June 30, 2024						December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents			$	70,810					$	69,807
Accounts receivable, net				634,710						663,893
Inventories				366,395						385,865
Other current assets and prepaid expenses				106,392						110,638
Total current assets				1,178,307						1,230,203
Property, plant and equipment, net				768,664						803,374
Goodwill and other intangibles assets, net				933,513						955,537
Other non-current assets				368,680						366,441
Total assets			$	3,249,164					$	3,355,555
Short-term borrowings and maturities of long-term debt			$	311,246					$	192,219
Trade accounts payable				199,462						210,411
Accrued and other current liabilities				770,474						778,452
Total current liabilities				1,281,182						1,181,082
Long-term debt				1,746,638						1,888,620
Other non-current liabilities				374,106						435,791
Total liabilities				3,401,926						3,505,493
Shareholders’ equity				(152,762	)					(149,938	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity			$	3,249,164					$	3,355,555

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
		Three months ended								Six months ended
		June 30,								June 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net earnings		$	221,814			$	213,927			$	399,323			$	402,353
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			12,351				12,194				24,873				24,217
Amortization			18,178				18,042				36,406				35,821
Deferred tax benefit			(1,774	)			(2,368	)			(3,837	)			(1,766	)
One-time non-cash discrete tax benefit			(22,982	)			-				(22,982	)			-
Other			4,541				4,195				9,263				8,222
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in
operating assets and liabilities			25,378				20,821				4,447				(48,774	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			257,506				266,811				447,493				420,073
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			668				412				668				412
Purchase of property, plant and equipment			(23,810	)			(28,751	)			(41,201	)			(51,947	)
Proceeds from government funding (a)			-				1,264				-				1,264
Acquisitions			(1,473	)			-				(2,473	)			(613	)
Other investing activities			2,783				(15,837	)			12,239				(14,414	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(21,832	)			(42,912	)			(30,767	)			(65,298	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings			572,715				475,903				1,022,578				1,080,921
Repayments of borrowings			(598,912	)			(455,215	)			(1,017,192	)			(958,731	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			6,305				7,614				8,136				19,087
Repurchases of common stock			(212,499	)			(250,000	)			(424,998	)			(499,999	)
Acquisition contingent consideration payment			-				(5,626	)			-				(5,626	)
Other financing activities			(1,910	)			(103	)			(1,910	)			(714	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(234,301	)			(227,427	)			(413,386	)			(365,062	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(754	)			(1,983	)			(2,337	)			(2,105	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			619				(5,511	)			1,003				(12,392	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period			70,191				89,085				69,807				95,966
End of period		$	70,810			$	83,574			$	70,810			$	83,574
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	257,506			$	266,811			$	447,493			$	420,073
Payments in respect of restructuring activities			5,966				5,415				15,680				7,398
Transition tax payment			10,723				8,042				10,723				8,042
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			668				412				668				412
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net (a)			(23,810	)			(24,907	)			(41,201	)			(44,815	)
Acquisition payments (b)			-				4,775				-				4,775
Adjusted free cash flow		$	251,053			$	260,548			$	433,363			$	395,885

Notes:
(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 and six months ended June 30, 2023 the Company received funding proceeds of $1.3 million. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 the related purchase of property, plant and equipment of $3.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively, are excluded from Adjusted free cash flow.
(b)	Includes $4.4 million of the PendoTECH contingent consideration payment that was reported in net cash provided by operating activities as required by U.S. GAAP for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

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 June 30, 2024		2%		5%		(16%)		(4%)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024		3%		6%		(14%)		(2%)
Local Currency Sales Growth
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024		2%		6%		(13%)		(2%)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024		2%		6%		(11%)		(1%)

Note:
(a)	The Company estimates net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2024 benefited by 3% from recovering previously delayed shipments from the fourth quarter of 2023. By geographic destination, net sales benefited approximately 2% in the Americas, 6% in Europe and 1% in Asia/Rest of World.

RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EPS AS REPORTED TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS
(unaudited)
		Three months ended													Six months ended
		June 30,													June 30,
			2024					2023				% Growth				2024					2023				% Growth
EPS as reported, diluted		$	10.37				$	9.69				7	%		$	18.60				$	18.15				2	%
Purchased intangible amortization, net of tax			0.24		(a)			0.23		(a)						0.47		(a)			0.46		(a)
Restructuring charges, net of tax			0.20		(b)			0.29		(b)						0.56		(b)			0.45		(b)
Income tax expense			(1.16	)	(c)			(0.02	)	(c)						(1.10	)	(c)			(0.24	)	(c)
Adjusted EPS, diluted		$	9.65				$	10.19				-5	%		$	18.53				$	18.82				-2	%

Notes:
(a)	Represents the EPS impact of purchased intangibles amortization of $6.5 million ($5.0 million net of tax) and $6.7 million ($5.2 million net of tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and of $13.1 million ($10.1 million net of tax) and $13.3 million ($10.3 million net of tax) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(b)	Represents the EPS impact of restructuring charges of $5.3 million ($4.3 million after tax) and $8.0 million ($6.5 million after tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and $15.0 million ($12.1 million after tax) and $12.3 million ($10.0 million after tax) for the six months ended June 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 due to the timing of excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises. Also includes a reported EPS reduction of $1.07 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 for the one-time non-cash discrete tax benefit resulting from the reduction of uncertain tax position liabilities related to the settlement of a tax audit.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240801458990/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's (MTD) Q2 2024 earnings per share?

Mettler-Toledo reported Q2 2024 earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $10.37, which included a one-time non-cash tax benefit of $1.07 per share. Adjusted EPS, excluding this benefit, was $9.65.

How did Mettler-Toledo's (MTD) sales perform in different regions during Q2 2024?

In Q2 2024, Mettler-Toledo's local currency sales increased by 6% in Europe and 2% in the Americas, but declined by 12% in Asia/Rest of World.

What is Mettler-Toledo's (MTD) sales growth forecast for the full year 2024?

Mettler-Toledo anticipates local currency sales growth of approximately 2% for the full year 2024.

What is Mettler-Toledo's (MTD) Adjusted EPS guidance for Q3 2024?

Mettler-Toledo forecasts Adjusted EPS for Q3 2024 to be between $9.90 to $10.05, representing growth of 1% to 3%.